Ukraine indicts locksmith over alleged FSB plot to blow up chemical plant
Ukraine’s Security Service says it has completed an investigation into a locksmith suspected of preparing a terrorist attack on a chemical plant in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast at the request of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). The suspect allegedly planned to place a 1.5 kg plastic explosive device under pipes in a factory workshop and detonate it remotely during a working shift.
Key points
- The Security Service of Ukraine referred the case to court after completing its investigation.
- The suspect was detained in Kamianske in March while making a homemade explosive device in his apartment.
- The alleged device was to contain 1.5 kg of plastic explosive and be placed under pipes in one factory workshop.
- The FSB allegedly planned to activate the device remotely during a working shift to maximize casualties.
- The suspect collected information on military and administrative sites and tracked Ukrainian service members and their families.
- Authorities seized explosive components and four mobile phones used to communicate with Russian intelligence.
- The charges include state treason during martial law and preparing a terrorist act; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment and confiscation of property.
Why it matters
The alleged plot targeted a chemical plant where a remotely detonated device could have caused mass casualties during a working shift. Investigators also say the suspect gathered intelligence and surveilled Ukrainian service members and their families for potential targeted killings.
What happened
Ukraine’s Security Service says it completed an investigation into a locksmith employed by an enterprise who is suspected of acting for the FSB. After reportedly contacting the FSB through thematic Telegram channels while looking for easy money, he allegedly received a test assignment to collect information near local recruitment centers and military sites, including locations where people congregated. He also tracked vehicles and the home addresses of Ukrainian service members and their families, whom Russian intelligence allegedly planned to kill.
The FSB allegedly provided the coordinates of a hideout in a forest where the suspect collected explosive material and an electric detonator. He was detained in Kamianske in March while assembling a homemade explosive device in his apartment. The intended device, made with 1.5 kg of plastic explosive, was to be hidden under pipes in a chemical plant workshop and activated remotely during a working shift. During his detention and search, investigators seized explosive components and four mobile phones used for communication with Russian intelligence. The Security Service refers the case to court.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian reporting emphasizes the Security Service investigation, the transfer of the criminal case to court and the potential life sentence and confiscation of property. Authorities also underscore the alleged recruitment of an enterprise locksmith, his intelligence-gathering activities and surveillance of Ukrainian service members and their families.
Background
The suspect was detained in Kamianske in March while making a homemade explosive device in his apartment. Investigators say the FSB supplied the explosive material and electric detonator from a hideout in a forest. He reportedly contacted the FSB through thematic Telegram channels after seeking easy money.