Telegram Channel Founder Arrested in Kyiv for Planning Terrorist Attacks and Teaching Explosives-Making

In Kyiv, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), with assistance from the FBI, detained the founder and administrator of an extremist Telegram channel.

The SSU reported the special operation on social media.

The detainee used his platform to call for terrorist attacks against law enforcement officers in Ukraine and partner countries.

The investigation established that he encouraged his followers to attack law enforcement officers using improvised explosive devices.

In addition to calling for killings, the administrator posted video instructions for making explosives for his audience.

To produce the content, the suspect set up a laboratory in his apartment, where he demonstrated how to synthesize chemicals used to make bombs.

He provided his followers with detailed information on using electric detonators and additional components to increase the destructive effect.

SSU officers detained the suspect at his Kyiv residence.

During searches of the residence, officers seized explosives, laboratory equipment, anti-personnel mines, and ammunition.

Officers also seized computer equipment containing evidence of the channel’s administration. The channel has since been blocked.

Investigators notified the detainee that he was suspected of making public calls for a terrorist attack and illegally handling weapons and explosives. The suspect is in custody and faces a prison sentence, while investigators are working to identify his possible accomplices.

In September, the SSU detained an FSB agent who was planning to direct a Russian missile strike at a repair battalion that restores unmanned aerial systems.