Ukrainian and Moldovan law enforcement agencies have dismantled an organized group allegedly preparing to assassinate prominent Ukrainians and foreigners on behalf of Russian intelligence services. Among the identified targets is Andriy Yusov, a representative for strategic communications at Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate.
According to Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko and statements from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police, the group’s organizer is a 34-year-old Moldovan citizen. Reports indicate he had previously served time in Russia, where he was recruited by Russian operatives. Upon returning to Moldova, he aligned himself with pro-Russian factions aimed at destabilizing the country and inciting mass protests in 2022 and 2023.
“The suspect established a hierarchical structure and recruited assistants, mostly compatriots under the age of 25. They targeted young men, particularly those studying at military academies, to carry out assignments for foreign intelligence services abroad. Additionally, they managed their transportation to Ukraine, accommodation, financing, and cover stories,” police officials stated.
The investigation revealed that Russian intelligence and the group’s operatives had set their sights on Ukrainian journalists, civil activists, the head of a strategic enterprise, and military personnel from Ukraine’s intelligence community, including Yusov and members of the Foreign Legion.
“To eliminate potential targets, the suspects devised various assassination methods, from close-range shootings to car bombings. Russian operatives promised rewards of up to $100,000 for successful killings, depending on the target’s status,” the SBU reported.
Authorities found that some group members used covert tactics, posing as couriers to surveil targets, capturing photographs and videos, and gathering information about their daily routines, travel routes, residences, and security levels. Others were responsible for procuring weapons, organizing hideouts, and preparing methods for carrying out the killings. Communication among group members occurred through secure channels, and to complicate the tracking of financial transactions, money transfers were conducted via cryptocurrency wallets.
This investigation continues to evolve as authorities uncover further details.
Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities have uncovered a plot to assassinate key figures linked to Ukraine, allegedly orchestrated by Russian intelligence. The investigation reveals a network of operatives targeting journalists and military personnel, with plans for various assassination methods and significant financial incentives.