Ukrainian-Backed Terror Plot on Russian Media Watchdog Roskomnadzor Foiled; FSB
RUSSIA – A Ukrainian-backed terror plot on Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor’s senior officials was foiled by the Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), according to a Friday statement.
“On April 18, a terrorist attack was prevented….. Seven supporters of far-right and neo-fascist ideology, recruited by Ukrainian intelligence services via the Telegram messenger, were detained in Moscow, Ufa, Novosibirsk, and Yaroslavl,” FSB said in a statement.
Authorities accused Ukrainian intelligence agencies of planning to detonate an explosive device in a car, saying the aim was to disrupt Roskomnadzor’s work on information security, including efforts related to the messaging platform Telegram.
The FSB said that the alleged leader was killed after resisting arrest.
“The leader of the group, a Moscow resident born in 2004, offered armed resistance during his arrest and was neutralized,” the agency said in a statement.
Officials added that a criminal case has been opened on charges including illegal trafficking of weapons and explosives, with additional charges related to preparing a terrorist attack under consideration.
According to FSB, Roskomnadzor’s management and employees, as well as their family members, are receiving death threats and are subjected to armed attacks. These attacks are coordinated from abroad by Russian citizens, including minors.
