The U.S. Department of Justice announced the uncovering of what is believed to be a plan by Russian intelligence agencies to carry out attacks and murders worldwide, including on U.S. soil. Five alleged agents of Russian intelligence agencies have been charged, the department stated in Washington on Tuesday, September 15. According to U.S. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Eisenberg, the group members operated within a "global network for organizing contract killings that included the United States." The investigation suggests they attempted to recruit U.S. citizens and foreigners to carry out murders on behalf of the Kremlin, he noted. Justice Department: The accused attempted to kill a Russian opposition figure living in the U.S. According to the U.S. Justice Department, this group has been active since at least 2024. In the summer of 2026, the accused attempted to organize the murder of a "well-known Russian dissident" who is believed to live in the U.S., the department indicated, without naming the potential victim. The assassination attempt was thwarted after a man hired to surveil the Russian refused to carry out the murder for which he was offered $40,000. This plan was the latest operation of the group to date, the statement noted. In 2025, a similar plot to murder a person in Lithuania failed for the same reasons, with network members referring to him as a "bad guy" and accusing him of "spreading lies about Russia," the Justice Department stated. The name of this individual is also not disclosed. Additionally, there are reports of planned attacks on civilian and military infrastructure in European countries supporting Ukraine. ## ## The Accused - Two Russians, Two Cubans, and a Venezuelan The three main suspects are 63-year-old former colonel of Russian intelligence Yuri Khrameev, his 27-year-old son Kirill - an FSB officer, and 35-year-old Cuban citizen Oemis Romagosa Durruti, whose activities in organizing sabotage in Europe were reported by BB.lv two days ago. The other two suspects are 35-year-old Cuban Yaidel Delgado Suarez and 22-year-old Venezuelan Angel Eduardo Castro, who allegedly acted as recruiters on U.S. territory. All five have been charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison. Khrameev Sr., Suarez, and Castro are also charged with conspiracy to commit murder for hire, for which they could receive up to ten years in prison. All five suspects are wanted. ## ## The U.S. Will Curb Any Attempts at Impunity by Russian Intelligence Agencies "Our job is to ensure that America’s adversaries do not sow violence and terror on American soil," stated U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche. Eisenberg emphasized the intention of U.S. authorities to "curb any attempts by foreign intelligence agencies to operate with impunity" on U.S. territory. The guilty and their accomplices must face "the harshest penalties provided by federal law," he added. Washington also noted that the criminal network operated "boldly, aggressively, and with a wide reach." "The charges brought against the defendants should serve as a clear signal: wherever you are and whoever you work for, we will investigate your crimes and hold you accountable," the U.S. department warned.
