FSB arrests five people for planning alleged terrorist attack in annexed Crimea

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has reported the arrest of five people, who were allegedly planning to carry out a terrorist attack at a market in the city of Simferopol (located on the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014).

All of those arrested are Russian citizens. The FSB reports seizing explosives, bladed weapons, and firearms from the detainees, as well as communication devices. The detainees reportedly had leaflets with swastikas in their possession, as well.

According to the FSB, the detainees kept in contact “with members of radical Ukrainian formations, fighting in southeastern Ukraine.”

The question of initiating a criminal case under the article on “Preparing a terrorist attack” and “Public calls for terrorism,” which provide for punishment of up to 20 years in prison, is being addressed.