The Russian security agency says the suspect coordinated with handler in Kiev via WhatsApp while planning an attack on an oil pipeline
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has said that it has foiled a terrorist plot in western Siberia by a Russian national working with a banned Ukrainian terrorist organization via WhatsApp. The armed suspect was killed while resisting arrest, according to the agency.
The suspect, born in Ukraine’s Vinnitsa Region, was allegedly tasked by his handlers in Kiev with carrying out an act of sabotage in Tyumen Region. He reportedly selected a dispatch station of the Transneft oil pipeline as his target.
According to the FSB, the suspect received instructions on how to assemble an improvised explosive device, purchased the necessary components, and hid them in a pre‑prepared cache. On Wednesday, he allegedly began implementing his plan by attempting to retrieve the components from the hiding place for final assembly of the bomb, the statement said, adding he was neutralized by return fire.
An investigation revealed that the man had been in regular contact with a handler from a Ukrainian terrorist organization through the WhatsApp messenger service. On that handler’s instructions, he allegedly gathered information on the status of oil and gas facilities in Russian regions in addition to preparing the attack.
The agency reiterated that Ukrainian intelligence services are “actively working in the internet space,” including on Telegram and WhatsApp, to draw Russian citizens into illegal activities such as sabotage and terrorist attacks.
