US charges five over alleged Russian intelligence assassination plots

The US Department of Justice has charged five people it alleges are Russian intelligence agents involved in a global network recruiting operatives for attacks and assassinations. The suspects remain at large, and the charges have not been tested in court.

According to the department, the alleged network had operated since at least 2024 and sought to recruit US citizens and foreigners. Prosecutors allege its activities included an attempted killing of a prominent Russian dissident believed to be in the United States. The target has not been publicly named.

The alleged US plot reportedly collapsed after a recruited surveillance operative refused to carry out the killing despite being offered US$40,000. Prosecutors also allege a separate plot targeting a person in Lithuania failed after a recruit refused to participate.

The five named suspects are Yuri Khrameev, Kirill Khrameev, Oemis Romagoza Durruthy, Yaidel Delgado Suarez and Angel Eduardo Castro. The Justice Department alleges the group worked for Russian intelligence services and acted on Kremlin orders, claims that remain allegations.

Prosecutors further allege the network planned attacks on civilian and military infrastructure in European countries supporting Ukraine. No arrests were reported.