SBU busts Russian-backed saboteurs setting fire to military vehicles

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), in collaboration with the police, detained two individuals for setting fire to military vehicles in Ivano-Frankivsk. It was discovered that the perpetrators were a 24-year-old woman and her 40-year-old neighbor, who cooperated with Russian services in exchange for money.

According to the SBU, the woman was seeking quick earnings online. Soon, a Russian citizen contacted her, offering payment for sabotage activities.

The main targets were military vehicles, which were undergoing maintenance in the Carpathians after combat missions on the front line.

To avoid completing the task alone, the woman enlisted her neighbor's help. Together, acting under the cover of darkness, they set fire to a camouflaged military vehicle.

However, despite taking precautions – both wore gloves and covered their faces – they were apprehended during a chase after committing the arson.

During searches, SBU officers secured cell phones used to coordinate criminal activities and maintain contact with the Russian contractor.

Based on the collected evidence, investigators informed the suspects of the charges under Article 194 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, concerning intentional destruction of property by arson. The perpetrators are in custody and face up to 10 years in prison.

Operational activities were carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine in cooperation with the National Police under the supervision of the District Prosecutor's Office in Ivano-Frankivsk.