Ukraine and Moldova dismantle Russia-linked assassination network

According to Ukrainska Pravda, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has announced the dismantling of an organised criminal group. Investigators say the network planned to recruit contract killers to assassinate prominent Ukrainian citizens and foreign nationals. The operation was conducted by Ukrainian authorities in co-operation with counterparts in Moldova.

Ten suspects were detained – seven in Ukraine and three in Moldova – including the alleged organiser. Applications for their pre-trial detention are expected to be filed shortly.

According to the prosecutor’s office, the group acted under the direction of Russian intelligence services. It gathered information on the movements, residences and daily routines of potential targets in order to organise their killing in exchange for payment. The Russian side is said to have offered up to $100,000 per assassination, depending on the prominence of the intended victim.

Investigators added that the group had planned to kill at least five public figures. Among the alleged targets was Andriy Yusov, a representative of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence.

As part of the operation, more than 20 searches were carried out across Ukraine. Weapons, ammunition, explosives, mobile phones and computers were seized, along with evidence of contact with the alleged organisers. In Moldova, a joint international investigation team detained the suspected organiser and two accomplices. The investigation remains ongoing.

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