Russian intelligence recruited a Ukrainian schoolgirl in the Ternopil Oblast, using her stolen explicit photos as blackmail

In Ternopil, a 14-year-old schoolgirl has been notified of suspicion of attempted terrorism for allegedly planning to detonate a bomb near a police station, as reported by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Explosive device neutralized

Investigators say that Russian intelligence services found her while she was looking for part-time work online. To coerce her into cooperation, the Russians allegedly hacked her phone and blackmailed her with threats to publish her private explicit photos online. The National Police, in their account of the incident, stated that the Russians also offered the girl money.

Ultimately, following instructions, the schoolgirl constructed an explosive device and placed it under a car parked near the police administration building. The girl was apprehended, and the device was neutralized before it could detonate.

The girl has been placed under house arrest. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

Earlier in the Ternopil Oblast, a sixth-grade student reported an attempted recruitment by Russian intelligence services to the police.

In the past year alone, more than 400 individuals have been detained in Ukraine for carrying out or attempting to carry out arson and bomb planting operations at the behest of Russian intelligence.

The SBU urges the public to report any attempts at recruitment by Russian security forces. This can be done through a dedicated chat-bot.