On Monday, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) reported that it has disrupted a smuggling network bringing explosives and detonators into St. Petersburg from Europe. According to the FSB, explosive materials and electric detonators were found concealed in spare car parts shipped from Germany and Italy.
The smuggling operation was reportedly supervised by Roman Mashovets, the Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. The FSB stated that the explosives were transported in stages and concealed within packages from a German manufacturer, using a transport company to bring the items into Russia.
Several individuals have been detained in connection with the smuggling operation, and a criminal case has been opened under Article 226.1 of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to the smuggling of explosives. The FSB has reached out to European security services for assistance, but these requests have not yet been answered.
The FSB’s announcement included a video showing explosives experts removing components hidden in car parts. The agency accuses Ukraine of orchestrating the operation, with Mashovets allegedly directing the suspects. Despite these claims, the provided information and recordings could not be independently verified.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there have been numerous sabotage attacks targeting Russian infrastructure and supporters of the war, often attributed to Ukrainian secret services. However, the veracity of the FSB’s claims remains uncertain, as they frequently cannot be independently corroborated.
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