Ukrainian law enforcement, in collaboration with Moldovan authorities, has dismantled a group allegedly orchestrating assassination plans targeting prominent Ukrainian figures. The operation, announced on February 20, involved the recruitment of Moldovan citizens who were directed to Ukraine to gather intelligence on potential targets.
The National Police of Ukraine reported that these individuals collected detailed information about the residences, workplaces, and movement patterns of their intended victims. They awaited further instructions from a coordinator who maintained contact with Russian intelligence operatives.
Among the identified targets were a well-known journalist listed as an extremist in Russia, a senior official from a state strategic enterprise, active military personnel from Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, and a public activist with Russian origins advocating for Ukraine. The police did not disclose the names of these individuals.
The police indicated that the objective of the Russian intelligence services was to instill fear and demoralize the Ukrainian populace through high-profile assassinations, thereby destabilizing the internal situation in the country.
The alleged organizer of the group is a 34-year-old Moldovan citizen with a prior conviction in Russia, where he was reportedly recruited by Russian intelligence. Upon returning to Moldova, he supported pro-Russian factions aimed at destabilizing the country and inciting mass protests in 2022 and 2023. He established a hierarchical structure and enlisted younger associates, primarily those studying at military academies, to carry out tasks for foreign intelligence services.
According to law enforcement, significant financial incentives were promised for carrying out these assassinations, including a reward of $100,000 for the elimination of a military officer from the Main Intelligence Directorate.
The operation, dubbed “Enigma 2.0,” was conducted across both Ukraine and Moldova. On February 19, officers from the Department of Strategic Investigations and the Main Investigative Directorate of the National Police, alongside the Moldovan National Inspectorate for Investigations, executed coordinated actions in Moldova. This led to the arrest of the group’s coordinator and other individuals involved in the network.
Simultaneously, searches were conducted in Kyiv and Odesa, resulting in the apprehension of group members and the seizure of communication devices, weapons, and other evidence.
Authorities have indicated that charges have been filed against the suspects under multiple articles of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, depending on their roles in the operation.
All activities related to this special operation were carried out under the auspices of Europol and Interpol.
Prior to this announcement, Moldovan police had reported on investigative actions conducted as part of a joint task force formed with Ukrainian law enforcement regarding the assassination plots commissioned by Russian intelligence.
As of now, Russian officials have not commented on the situation. Ukrainian authorities frequently report the apprehension of individuals they identify as Russian agents, suspected of treason and carrying out sabotage on behalf of Russian intelligence.
The Moldovan government has repeatedly expressed concerns about Russian interference aimed at using Moldova against Ukraine. President Maia Sandu has emphasized that Ukraine serves as a protective barrier for Moldova, asserting the government’s moral obligation to prevent Moldova from being used against Ukraine and to avoid entanglement in the conflict.
Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities have disrupted a plot involving the recruitment of Moldovan citizens for assassination missions against Ukrainian figures. The operation highlights ongoing concerns regarding Russian intelligence activities in the region.