TD The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed on Tuesday that it had shut down a Russian‑backed network operating across multiple countries since 2024.
The FBI said it successfully disrupted a Russian intelligence plot to assassinate individuals in the United States and Europe, including supporters of Ukraine.
Five suspects linked to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) were charged in Manhattan federal court.
Investigators said they uncovered plans to kill a prominent Russian dissident living in Washington, D.C., and to target pro‑Ukraine figures abroad.
The network allegedly paid individuals in the U.S. and Europe to surveil and assassinate dissidents.
They are also to carry out acts of terrorism against civilian and military infrastructure in nations supporting Ukraine.
According to the indictment unsealed in Manhattan, the plot targeted a Russian dissident believed to be living in Washington, D.C.
A U.S. resident recruited for the mission was offered $40,000 to “eliminate” the target but instead cooperated with authorities, providing evidence that led to the arrests.
Who Was Charged by FBI
Federal prosecutors named five individuals in the indictment, including:
- Yuri Khrameev, a former colonel in the Russian intelligence services.
- Kirill Khrameev, his son and an officer in the FSB.
- Oemis Romagoza Durruthy, a Cuban national living in Russia.
- Yaidel Delgado Suarez, and,
- Angel Eduardo Castro, both Russian residents.
The FBI described the group as part of a state‑sponsored assassination network directed by the FSB, Russia’s principal security agency and successor to the Soviet‑era KGB.
How the Plot Unfolded
FBI Investigators said the Russian network had expanded its operations after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
It shifted from targeting Russian defectors to attacking Ukraine’s allies and supporters.
The conspirators allegedly recruited operatives in the U.S. to conduct surveillance on the intended victim’s home and workplace.
The recruited individual was instructed to take photographs and videos of the locations and later offered payment to carry out the assassination.
The FBI’s New York and Washington field offices, working with partner agencies, moved swiftly to disrupt the plan once the threat was identified.
“Through relentless work, we prevented Russian operatives from intimidating, threatening, or murdering people on U.S. soil,” said James C. Barnacle Jr., head of the FBI’s New York office.
Broader Implications
FBI Officials said the plot reflects a global campaign of intimidation by Russian intelligence services.
The network allegedly sought to destabilize nations aligned with Ukraine by spreading fear among activists and dissidents.
Darren B. Cox, head of the FBI’s Washington office, praised “extraordinary coordination” among multiple field offices and international partners.
“We moved quickly to disrupt the plot and hold the Russian government accountable for its actions,” he said.
U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald added that the defendants “conspired to cause destruction and mayhem around the world, including right here in the United States.”
Continuing FBI Investigation
The five defendants remain at large, believed to be outside the United States.
The Justice Department has issued international warrants and is working with foreign governments to locate and extradite them.
The FBI continues to monitor potential threats to Ukrainian activists, Russian dissidents, and U.S. citizens critical of Moscow’s war policies.
Officials emphasized that the case demonstrates the reach of Russian espionage and covert influence operations, as well as Washington’s determination to counter them.
Global Reaction
The revelation by the FBI has drawn strong condemnation from Western governments.
European security agencies have reportedly increased surveillance of suspected Russian operatives following the FBI’s announcement.
Analysts say the case underscores the escalating shadow war between Russia and the West, fought through espionage, cyberattacks, and covert violence.
As the investigation continues, U.S. authorities have vowed to remain vigilant.
“We will not allow foreign powers to export their campaign of terror to American soil,” said an FBI spokesperson.
