International special operation: network exposed that prepared contract killings and sabotage in the EU

As part of a large-scale international operation, law enforcement officers have disrupted the activities of a criminal network involved in the preparation of serious and especially serious crimes in the territory of the European Union. The Prosecutor General’s Office reported this.

According to the investigation, starting in August 2024, representatives of the Russian special services, operating from the territory of other states and using an extensive network of intermediaries, organized the preparation of violent crimes in Europe. One of the key areas was the preparation of contract killings in Lithuania.

The suspects carried out long-term covert surveillance of potential victims – a public figure from the Russian Federation, who received political asylum in Lithuania, and a Lithuanian citizen known for his support for Ukraine. The attackers collected detailed information about the place of residence, travel routes and lifestyle of these individuals to prepare the attack.

Citizens of various countries, including Ukraine, the Russian Federation, Belarus, Georgia, Latvia, Moldova and Greece, were involved in the implementation of the criminal plans. The network members performed various roles, from external surveillance to the search for perpetrators, financing and logistical support. To mask their activities, they used forged documents and financial accounts opened under false names.

The attempt to organize a contract killing on the territory of Lithuania was foiled in a timely manner: some of the perpetrators were detained, while others refused to participate. One of the suspects was detained directly during the preparation of the attack.

Further investigation revealed that the network’s activities covered a number of EU countries and included the preparation of sabotage and provocations. In particular, the collection of information about military facilities and equipment intended for transfer to Ukraine, the preparation of arson of infrastructure facilities, as well as sabotage actions on the territory of a military enterprise were recorded.

In addition, it was established that the group members considered the possibility of committing violent acts against military personnel and public figures also on the territory of Ukraine.

As part of the operation, law enforcement agencies of several states conducted a series of detentions and searches on the territory of the European Union. Some of the suspects have already been transferred to Lithuania. According to Lithuanian law enforcement officers, 13 people were reported as suspects: nine were detained, and European arrest warrants were issued for four more.

At the same time, according to the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime until his guilt is proven in accordance with the law and established by a court verdict.