Headline: US Accuses Russian Intelligence Network of Plotting Murders in America and Europe

Date: 16 September 2026

Tags: Russia, United States, Ukraine, Security

Summary:

• The US Justice Department charged five men allegedly connected to Russian intelligence with targeting people perceived as supporting Ukraine.

• Prosecutors allege the network sought to recruit people in the United States and Europe to conduct surveillance and killings.

• All five defendants remain at large, and their current locations are unclear.

• All five face conspiracy to finance terrorism charges, carrying maximum prison sentences of 20 years.

• Three defendants were described by US authorities as high-ranking members of the alleged Russian intelligence network.

• Prosecutors say one US recruit was offered up to $1,500 for surveillance and another $40,000 to kill a Russian dissident.

• The recruit did not carry out the alleged killing, after which prosecutors say additional people were approached.

• Prosecutors also allege a US citizen was recruited in 2025 to target an individual in Lithuania.

• Three defendants additionally face conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire charges, carrying maximum sentences of 10 years.

• The Kremlin said it would not comment without seeing what it considered credible evidence or tangible facts.

Why this matters: The allegations concern alleged Russian attempts to organise violence against perceived opponents beyond Russia, including on US territory.

What’s next: US authorities will seek the five defendants while the criminal cases proceed and Russia considers the allegations.