An explosion occurred in Zhytomyr: the SBU arrested a group of criminals operating on behalf of Russia.
The National Police and the Security Service of Ukraine apprehended individuals involved in the terrorist attack in Zhytomyr. They detonated an explosive device near the district police department building.
This information was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the National Police.
According to law enforcement, on November 20, a group of people exploded a device near the district police department building in Zhytomyr. As a result, a police officer was injured.
During the investigation, it was determined that five perpetrators were involved in the crime, acting on behalf of the special services of the Russian Federation. Among the suspects are four residents of Zhytomyr, two of whom are minors, and a resident of Kharkiv, previously convicted of robbery, theft, and rape.
At the scene, remnants of the explosive device were seized. In particular, nails were found as shrapnel elements, along with parts of a mobile phone and a camera for remote image transmission.
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"The police established that the accomplices acted according to the instructions of their Russian handlers. On the eve of the crime, a 46-year-old resident of Kharkiv arrived in Zhytomyr and purchased several mobile phones and SIM cards from telecom operators. All of this was left in a predetermined location," law enforcement officials reported.
Afterward, the preparations for the terrorist act were carried out by residents of Zhytomyr aged 15, 16, 18, and 20. Two of them took the package. The other two purchased chemical components, nails, and other necessary elements for making explosives at several construction superstores. They created a "test sample," conducted experiments, and recorded this for their handlers.
Subsequently, on November 20, they installed a camera near the administrative premises. Later on, they hid a bag containing the explosive device.
They detonated the explosives using remote control.
They were apprehended on November 21. The suspects were notified of charges under Part 2 of Article 258 (terrorist act - ed.) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Law enforcement is investigating their involvement in other crimes commissioned by Russian special services. The suspects face imprisonment of up to 12 years.
Previously, we reported that the Security Service of Ukraine neutralized in Kharkiv an agent-combat group of the Russian military intelligence, better known as the GRU. The group members were involved in terrorist acts in the frontline city and were spying on Ukrainian military units.