Law enforcement exposes network preparing serious crimes in EU for Russian intelligence
The Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine, together with National Police investigators and law enforcement officers from several states, conducted an international operation to expose a network preparing contract killings and sabotage in the EU for Russian intelligence, the Prosecutor General’s Office has said.
"The preparation of serious crimes in EU countries has been stopped. The perpetrators, intermediaries, and coordinators who organized and financed the activities have been identified," according to a statement on Telegram on Monday.
According to the investigation, starting in August 2024, Russian intelligence representatives arranged the preparation of crimes in EU countries through controlled individuals. In total, dozens of people from various states were involved, and operations covered at least several European countries.
Law enforcement officers established that network members acted as observers, intermediaries, and perpetrators, and provided financing and logistics. Funds were transferred through controlled channels using forged documents to disguise their origin.
As part of the operation, detentions and searches were carried out in EU countries.
The investigation established that "contract killings were being prepared in Lithuania—network members monitored potential victims, collecting data on their place of residence, routes, and daily routine."
Currently, the murder attempt in Lithuania has been thwarted: some participants have been detained, including one directly during the preparation of an attack. Thirteen people have been served with notices of suspicion: nine have been detained, and European arrest warrants have been issued for four others.
In addition to Lithuania, the network operated in other EU countries: it collected data on military facilities and equipment for Ukraine, prepared provocations, arson of infrastructure, and carried out sabotage at a military enterprise. Besides the EU, the possibility of violent actions on Ukrainian territory was also considered.
