Russian plan to bomb Rivne police foiled as device explodes in taxi – SBU

The Russian security agencies aimed to strike a Rivne district police unit during a gathering of officers, but the homemade explosive device, hidden in a metal liquor box, exploded early due to an accidental SMS sent to its connected phone. 

A 41-year-old drug-addicted Rivne resident, recruited via Telegram for quick cash, built the bomb with Russian instructions, enlisting three locals to source components. 

He activated and hid the device, sending its location to his Russian handler. 

To cover their tracks, the Russian security services recruited two 16-year-old Rivne girls to retrieve the device, disguise it as a gift, and pass it to a man from Kharkiv, also hired via Telegram, tasked with delivering it to the police station. 

The Kharkiv resident, who rented a Rivne apartment, was in a taxi when the bomb detonated, injuring him and the driver. 

The SBU charged the bomb-maker under Criminal Code Articles 258, Part 2 (terrorism), 263, Part 1 (illegal handling of explosives), and 263-1, Part 2 (illegal bomb-making by a group), and one 16-year-old girl under Article 263, Part 1, with further charges to other suspects pending.