Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of a group of former defense industry workers suspected of spying for Ukrainian military intelligence.
The FSB referred to the detainees as “agents” of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, and accused them of leaking a sensitive military information, including technical documents and models used in the manufacturing of weapons systems and equipment for Russia’s Air Force.
The Russian Air Force utilizes a variety of aircraft including attack, bomber, electronic warfare, fighter, and transport aircraft.
The FSB also said the group had been preparing an act of sabotage and intended to target railway lines in Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod regions, which are used to supply Russian forces engaged in the conflict with Ukraine.
“Plastic explosives with a total mass of more than 4 kilograms, four detonators, military design documentation and goods used for military purposes, as well as $150,000, have been seized,” the FSB said in a statement published on its official website. “The suspects have been detained and are making confessions.”
The individuals, once employed by the FSB, will face trial under charges of state treason and preparation for sabotage acts. According to Russian law, these crimes could lead to penalties as severe as life imprisonment.
The final count of detainees remains undisclosed.
