From NPR · · 2m
U.S. charges Russian agents with murder plots
The Justice Department indicts five operatives accused of recruiting people to kill Kremlin critics in America and Europe.
In brief
The Justice Department indicts five operatives accused of recruiting people to kill Kremlin critics in America and Europe. Russian intelligence networks are actively recruiting people in the U.S. and allied countries to carry out targeted killings and sabotage against perceived enemies of the Kremlin. Originally…
Five Russian agents charged with murder plots
The Justice Department indicted five suspected Russian operatives for allegedly plotting attacks against Kremlin enemies worldwide, including murder-for-hire of a dissident in the U.S.
“It is our job to stop America's adversaries from unleashing violence and terror on American soil.”
The defendants and their alleged roles
Two defendants are Russian intelligence officers: Yuri Khrameev, a former colonel, and his son Kirill, an FSB officer. Three others are from Cuba and Venezuela, living in Russia.
Brooklyn plot to kill Russian dissident
Between July and August 2026, operatives recruited a Venezuelan living in Brooklyn to surveil and murder a prominent Russian dissident. They offered $40,000 for the killing but the recruit refused to commit murder.
“want to eliminate they want to disappear”
Coded language and pressure tactics
When the recruit refused murder, operatives asked if he knew someone who wanted to do "construction," code for killing. They claimed to have a team in Mexico available for the job.
Lithuania plot against Kremlin critic
In 2025, operatives recruited a U.S. citizen in Lithuania to surveil a Kremlin critic. They offered $25,000 to murder the target by "throwing gasoline" or "sticking a knife," but the American declined.
Targeting NATO infrastructure and allies
When the American refused murder, operatives offered "simpler jobs" like setting fires to warehouses or electrical substations in NATO countries helping Ukraine.
“I am interested in all the countries that are helping Ukraine”
Sabotage operations across Europe
One operative coordinated travel and payments for terrorist acts in Prague, transferring cryptocurrency and booking hotels in Czech Republic and Poland. Photos suggest potential attack sites in Warsaw.
Pattern of hybrid warfare against allies
The indictment reflects allegations from Poland, Germany, and Czechia that Russia has conducted sabotage attacks since the 2022 Ukraine invasion. The U.S. is now formally charging specific operatives.
The headline
Russian intelligence networks are actively recruiting people in the U.S. and allied countries to carry out targeted killings and sabotage against perceived enemies of the Kremlin.
