Former Party of Regions member who was preparing Hordon's murder, sabotage at Ukrzaliznytsia detained

An agent network of an elite unit of the Russian Federal Security Service, the Department of Counterintelligence Operations, was exposed in Kyiv. The enemy cell consisted of four people, and its coordination in Ukraine was carried out by a former MP from the banned Party of Regions.

This was reported by the Prosecutor General's Office and the SBU. 

This agent network was engaged in intelligence and sabotage work on the territory of our country. It had a hierarchical structure with clearly defined roles. In addition to the ex-MP curator, it included a saboteur, a supplier of explosive devices, and an agent specialising in surveillance.

In case of successful completion of hostile tasks, the former MP planned to expand his network and carry out sabotage acts virtually throughout Ukraine.

It was established that to disrupt the logistics of the Defence Forces, the agents planned a series of explosions on the tracks of Ukrzaliznytsia. In particular, the Russian secret service set them a task to blow up one of the tracks in Kyiv region. The Ukrainian Armed Forces use it to transport equipment and personnel to the frontline regions. However, the SBU managed to prevent the sabotage.

During a multi-stage special operation, SBU officers detained all four agents, including the former MP.

Another task of the network was to collect data on Ukrainian figures who were of interest to the Russian secret service. In particular, the enemy tried to obtain data on the places of residence and visits, daily schedule and social circle of certain individuals. All this was done with the aim of further physical elimination of these figures. Among those for whom the Russian special services were preparing a contract killing was Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Hordon. Law enforcement officers detained a former MP - the curator of an agent network, a perpetrator of sabotage, a supplier of explosive devices and an agent who conducted surveillance.

During the searches, law enforcement officers found and seized communications equipment and electronic devices with evidence of reconnaissance and subversive activities in favour of Russia.

All four detainees are currently in custody. Depending on the crimes committed, they were served a notice of suspicion under the following articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

• Art. 111 (high treason);
• Art. 113 (sabotage);
• Art. 258 (terrorist act).

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.