US federal authorities revealed Tuesday that Russian intelligence services are allegedly orchestrating targeted assassinations against individuals perceived as supportive of Ukraine across the United States and allied European nations. The announcement coincided with the filing of charges against five suspects who remain at large.
According to an indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court, a network linked to Russian intelligence services paid and attempted to pay individuals in the US and other countries to conduct surveillance on specific targets. The plot allegedly involved detailed plans to assassinate these individuals after gathering intelligence on their movements.
The case highlights the expanding scope of foreign interference allegations, suggesting that hostile actions extend beyond cyber operations or disinformation campaigns into physical threats against citizens and residents in Western democracies.
Historically, Russia has used assassination plots abroad. This feels like business as usual disguised as a surprise.
Wait, the headline says uncharged but the article says charged? Please clarify before I share this.
This escalates from cyber to physical threats. Five at large is genuinely alarming for community safety.