International Network Preparing Contract Killings and Sabotage in EU Since August 2024 Exposed

Law enforcement agencies from Ukraine and other states have thwarted the preparation of serious crimes in the EU, organized by Russian special services since August 2024. The network was preparing contract killings, sabotage, and provocations.

One key focus was the preparation of assassinations in Lithuania: a Russian public figure who received political asylum, and a Lithuanian citizen known for supporting Ukraine. Data on their residences and routes were collected. Citizens from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Georgia, Latvia, Moldova, and Greece were involved. Funding was channeled through networks controlled by Russian special services.

The attempt at a contract killing in Lithuania was stopped, and some perpetrators were detained. The network also gathered information on military facilities for Ukraine, considered provocations and arsons of infrastructure in other EU countries, and sabotage at a military enterprise. The possibility of violent acts against military and public figures in Ukraine was also considered.

As part of the international operation, arrests and searches were conducted. Lithuanian law enforcement reported suspicions against 13 individuals: nine were detained, and European arrest warrants were issued for four. Three individuals arrested abroad have been transferred to Lithuania. Dozens of people were involved in the network, whose activities spanned several European countries. Cooperation continues.