Georgian citizens have been identified among the members of a network that was preparing assassinations in EU countries. This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine. The scheme also involved citizens of various other countries, including Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Latvia, Moldova, and Greece.
During an international special operation, law enforcement agencies from Ukraine and several other countries thwarted the preparation of serious and especially grave crimes on EU territory, allegedly commissioned by Russian intelligence services.
The investigation claims that since August 2024, representatives of the Russian special services, acting from abroad through intermediaries, organized a network engaged in the preparation of violent crimes in EU countries.
One of the group’s key areas of activity was the preparation of contract killings in Lithuania.
Participants conducted long-term covert surveillance of two individuals: a Russian public figure who had received political asylum in Lithuania, and a Lithuanian citizen known for supporting Ukraine.
The suspects collected data on places of residence, movement routes, daily schedules, and other information necessary to prepare an attack. Some were responsible for surveillance, others for finding executors, and others for financing, logistics, and coordination.
Executors were recruited through intermediaries, including individuals with criminal backgrounds. Financing was carried out through channels linked to alleged representatives of Russian intelligence, using forged documents and accounts registered to third parties to conceal the origin of the funds.
A contract killing in Lithuania was successfully prevented. Some participants have been detained, while others refused to participate. One of the suspects was detained directly during the preparation of an attack.
After analyzing data from mobile devices, it was established that the network operated in several countries and was also involved in preparing sabotage and provocations.
Specifically, in one EU country, information was being gathered on military facilities and equipment intended for transfer to Ukraine. In another, scenarios for arson and provocations at infrastructure facilities were being considered. Cases of sabotage activity at a military enterprise were also recorded.
Furthermore, it was established that members of the group discussed the possibility of committing violent acts against military and public figures on Ukrainian territory.
As part of the international operation, arrests and searches were conducted across EU countries. Some of the detainees have already been handed over to Lithuanian authorities.
At present, Lithuanian law enforcement authorities have served notices of suspicion to 13 individuals:
- 9 — are in custody;
- 4 — are subject to European Arrest Warrants;
- 3 — detained abroad have already been transferred to Lithuania;
- 2 — are currently undergoing extradition procedures.
In total, dozens of people may have been involved in the network’s activities, and its operations spanned at least several European states.
The investigation is ongoing — law enforcement officers are identifying all participants, their connections, and additional episodes of potential criminal activity.