SBU foils Russian-ordered bombing in Berdychiv
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and National Police have arrested two individuals who carried out a bombing near a Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC) in Berdychiv, Zhytomyr Oblast, the officers reported on Dec. 27.
The main perpetrator is a 41-year-old displaced person from Mariupol with a criminal record, including robbery, theft, and drug-related crimes. The improvised explosive device (IED) was crafted by a 23-year-old drug-addicted woman from Berdychiv. Russian handlers reportedly recruited her via Telegram, where she sought money for drugs.
The woman constructed the IED herself, disguising it in a food container and filling it with metal ball bearings. She then handed the device to the man, who traveled to Berdychiv specifically for the task. He placed the bomb near the entrance of the TRC and detonated it remotely using a phone, filming the explosion as proof for his Russian handlers.
Although the explosion caused no injuries, authorities apprehended the man two hours later as he was traveling back to Kyiv by bus. The woman was arrested at her home.
During searches, investigators recovered mobile phones and SIM cards containing incriminating evidence. The suspects have been charged under Part 2 of Article 258 of Ukraine's Criminal Code (terrorist act committed by a group of individuals by prior conspiracy) and face up to 12 years in prison.
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