Three people between the ages of 23 and 46, including one previously convicted person, were detained while preparing an explosion near a regional police station. They intended to set fire to police cars and detonate an improvised explosive device by remote control when police arrived.
The SBU revealed that the suspects, believed to be working as agents for Russia, had checked into a nearby hostel, purchased gasoline for the arson and hidden explosives disguised as fire extinguishers. The group was uncovered during an investigation into the murder of a local activist who was killed when his car was set on fire with explosives hidden nearby.
Cell phones with evidence of the crimes were confiscated from the detainees during the search.
They have been charged with terrorism resulting in the death of a person under Part 3 Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and could face life imprisonment with confiscation of property. The suspects remain in custody.