Police uncover FSB-ordered scheme to poison soldiers

Detention of suspect in the murders of defenders

Law enforcement officers in Zhytomyr Oblast detained a 17-year-old girl suspected of aiding in the premeditated murder of two people and the shipment of narcotic and psychotropic substances for sale. According to the investigation, she acted on the instructions of a Russian handler.

As reported by Maksym Tstskiridze, the suspect packaged the drugs and sent them by post, providing fictitious sender details. She was promised a reward of at least 5,000 hryvnia for carrying out these tasks.

How the poisoning scheme worked

The organisers of the crime contacted Ukrainian servicemen via Telegram and offered them free drugs. After receiving the parcels, the recipients were instructed to take the medication on camera. The soldiers did not know that the capsules contained a lethal dose of methadone.

As a result of the poisoning, two soldiers died in Zhytomyr Oblast. Tstskiridze clarified that both of the deceased had deserted their military units. However, he noted that this distinction is irrelevant to Russian intelligence services, as the targets are individuals specifically because of their affiliation with the Ukrainian military.

Preventing new victims

During the investigation of these murders, law enforcement officers identified other recipients of similar parcels. This allowed them to prevent four further murders. The potential victims were located in Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhia, Chernivtsi, and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts. Unlike the deceased, these servicemen were still serving.

The 17-year-old suspect now faces up to 15 years in prison. Law enforcement officers are also checking her possible involvement in other crimes.

Security advice for soldiers and their families

Maksym Tstskiridze urged servicemen and their relatives to be cautious with new acquaintances. According to him, people who offer help, send gifts, or insistently seek a personal meeting may be carrying out tasks for Russian intelligence services.

Law enforcement officers recommend not accepting medication, other substances, food, or drinks of dubious origin from strangers. If a person is pressured to take something, subjected to pressure, or threatened, it is necessary to save the correspondence and report to the police by dialling 102.

It is also advisable to contact law enforcement if a similar situation involves a comrade-in-arms. Such information can help prevent a murder in a timely manner.