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FACTBOX: What we know about foiled bombing plot against senior security official in Moscow

The SBU planned to remotely trigger an explosion during the official’s visit to a business center

© Russian Federal Security Service/TASS

MOSCOW, April 3. /TASS/. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has prevented a terrorist attack planned by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) against a senior law enforcement official in Moscow, the Public Relations Center of the FSB said.

TASS has compiled the key details about the operation.

Preparations for the attack

- FSB officers prevented a planned terrorist attack in Moscow targeting a senior official in the law enforcement system, the agency said.

- The SBU planned to remotely trigger an explosion during the official’s visit to a business center.

- An electric scooter parked near the entrance to the business center was identified. A powerful improvised explosive device (IED) was found in the vehicle’s trunk.

- Identification of the target was to be carried out via organized video surveillance.

- The IED consisted of a signal receiver with a power unit, a charge with pre-made impact elements and an electronic relay with a power source, according to footage released by the FSB.

Neutralization of the explosive device

- The detonation of the device "could have led to a large number of civilian casualties," the FSB said.

- Footage released indicates the bomb was neutralized at night.

- A robot was used in the operation, the explosive device was removed from the electric scooter’s trunk.

Reaction

- The investigative branch of the FSB directorate for Moscow and the Moscow Region has opened a criminal case under Article 222.1 of the Russian Criminal Code (illegal transfer, acquisition, sale, storage, transportation or carrying of explosives or explosive devices), with further qualification under Part 2 of Article 30 and Article 205 (preparation of a terrorist attack).

- A search is underway for those involved in planting the IED to bring them to justice.

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