In Odesa, the SSU detained a couple who were preparing a terrorist attack against the military

In Odesa, the SSU detained a couple who were preparing a terrorist attack against the military

In Odesa, a married couple suspected of preparing a terrorist attack against military personnel near the Memorial of the Heroic Defense of Odesa of the 411th Coastal Battery has been detained.

This was reported by the press services of the Odesa Regional Prosecutor’s Office and the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU).

According to the investigation, an unemployed 35-year-old man and his 39-year-old wife were recruited by Russian special services via Telegram. They were offered a reward of 5,000 to 10,000 US dollars for completing tasks, as well as assistance in leaving Ukraine.

The suspects were supposed to pick up a homemade explosive device, disguised as a wooden stump, in one of Odesa’s parks. They were then to install it near the Memorial of the Heroic Defense of Odesa of the 411th Coastal Battery. The perpetrators picked up the explosive and kept it at home, awaiting further instructions from hostile special services. According to the organizers’ plan, the explosion was intended to occur while military personnel were present in the park.

Prior to this, the agents scouted locations with the highest concentration of Defence Forces personnel, marked these locations on Google Maps, and reported them to their curator in Russia. After one of the targets was "approved" by the Russian handler, the suspects planned to plant the explosive there.

Law enforcement authorities uncovered the criminal intentions in time, prevented the terrorist attack, and detained the couple. During searches at their place of residence, mobile phones with evidence of contacts with the enemy and the explosive device were seized.

Photo: Odesa Regional Prosecutor’s Office

Detained suspect

Photo: Odesa Regional Prosecutor’s Office

Detained man

At the request of the prosecutor’s office, the suspects are in custody. Additionally, the issue of qualifying their crimes as treason committed under martial law is being considered. They face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.