Ukraine’s Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the National Police of Ukraine, and Moldovan law enforcement have dismantled a Russian-linked operational group that was allegedly preparing high-profile assassinations in Ukraine, the SBU said on Friday, Feb. 20.
According to the SBU, the joint counterintelligence operation – codenamed “Enigma 2.0” – was carried out together with the National Inspectorate of Investigations of Moldova’s General Police Inspectorate.
Targets Included journalists, HUR officers
Investigators said the group was planning contract killings of Ukrainian journalists, public figures, a senior executive at a strategic state enterprise, and active-duty officers of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR), including members of the Foreign Legion.
In a separate statement, the National Police said one of the intended targets was a well-known journalist who had been placed on Russia’s “extremist” list and declared wanted there. Authorities also said the group had gathered information on active HUR officers, including fighters from the Foreign Legion and the Special Operations Forces, as well as a pro-Ukrainian activist originally from Russia.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko said investigators had identified additional targets, including HUR spokesperson Andrii Yusov, who also serves as deputy head of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
How the group operated
The alleged organizer was identified as a 34-year-old Moldovan national who, according to Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities, had previously served a prison sentence in Russia, where he was recruited by Russian security services.
After returning to Moldova, he formed what investigators described as a hierarchical agent-combat group under Russian supervision. Members were recruited primarily from individuals with military training or pro-Kremlin views.
The group was divided into surveillance and execution teams. One unit tracked potential victims, documenting their routines, residences, workplaces, and security arrangements. Another group was tasked with carrying out the killings.
According to law enforcement, some operatives posed as delivery couriers to conduct photo and video surveillance and mark geolocations on digital maps. Others were responsible for procuring weapons, preparing explosives, and organizing safe houses.
Communication allegedly took place through encrypted channels, while funding was transferred via cryptocurrency wallets and foreign bank cards to avoid detection.
Authorities said Russian handlers had promised payments of up to $100,000 per assassination, depending on the target’s profile. Kravchenko said the same amount was allegedly offered for the killing of a HUR officer.
Arrests in Ukraine and Moldova
The operation was conducted simultaneously in both countries.
On Feb. 19, Moldovan investigators detained the alleged coordinator and two associates. Ukrainian authorities carried out searches in Kyiv and Odesa, seizing firearms, ammunition, grenades, communication equipment, and digital devices.
The National Police said a total of seven suspects were detained in Ukraine, while three people were arrested in Moldova, including the alleged organizer.
According to officials, more than 20 searches were conducted in several regions of Ukraine. Investigators said they documented correspondence with Russian handlers that they say confirms coordination with Russian security services.
Charges and potential sentences
The Ukrainian suspects have been notified of suspicion under several articles of the Criminal Code, including preparation for premeditated murder for hire and illegal possession and handling of weapons.
Authorities said additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
If convicted, the suspects face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
The SBU described the case as an example of coordinated international action against what it called hybrid threats linked to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.