The Newshound

FBI warns Russia is plotting assassinations across the US and Europe as $40K Washington murder plot is exposed

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

Todd Blanche warned that stopping adversaries from "unleashing violence and terror on American soil" is America's job, as the Justice Department charged five men linked to Russian intelligence with financing a $40,000…
Todd Blanche warned that stopping adversaries from "unleashing violence and terror on American soil" is America's job, as the Justice Department charged five men linked to Russian intelligence with financing a $40,000…

Federal prosecutors have unsealed charges against five alleged Russian intelligence operatives accused of running a global murder-for-hire network targeting Kremlin critics living in the US and abroad. The FBI issued a stark warning that Russia is actively plotting targeted killings across America and in European countries supporting Ukraine. A Venezuelan citizen based in the US was directed to record footage of two Washington-area sites connected to a named dissident, then offered $40,000 to kill him — he carried out the surveillance but drew the line at the assassination itself.

All five defendants remain at large, according to the Justice Department.

Coded language was used throughout — the assassination was called 'construction' and surveillance 'measuring a plot of land.'

The network also solicited recruits to carry out terrorist attacks on civilian and military infrastructure in pro-Ukraine European nations.

MoreFox NewsRussian spies orchestrated $40K murder plot in nation’s capital, US allegesNY PostRussian spies orchestrated $40K murder plot in Washington DCWLRNFederal prosecutors unseal charges against Russian assassination network involving Cuban, Venezuelan operatives - WLRNDaily Mail NewsRussia 'is plotting assassinations in US and European countries supporting Ukraine'
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