US announces charges against Russia-linked RIS Network
The US Department of Justice has accused members of the RIS Network, which is allegedly linked to Russian intelligence services, of conspiring to finance terrorism and commit contract killings in the US and other countries. According to the investigation, the network also attempted to organize attacks on civilian and military infrastructure facilities in European countries that are providing assistance to Ukraine.
The US has announced charges against the Russia-linked RIS Network
The US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York has charged several individuals with conspiracy to finance terrorism and commit contract killings in various countries around the world, including within the United States. This was announced by the US Department of Justice on September 15.
The American side claims that the defendants acted in the interests of the Russian intelligence services and were associated with an international network known as the RIS Network.
According to the indictment, members of the network paid individuals in the US and other countries to gather preliminary information on specific facilities and people, as well as to kill targeted individuals. In addition, their accomplices were allegedly tasked with organizing attacks on civilian and military infrastructure in European countries that provide aid to Ukraine or are considered pro-Kyiv.
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also participated in the investigation of this case.
John Eisenberg, Assistant US Attorney General for National Security, stated that the suspects attempted to recruit US citizens and foreigners to commit murders on the instructions of the Russian leadership.
ABC News, citing US Attorney Todd Blanche, reported that the announced charges include an episode related to an attempt to kill a Russian dissident believed to be in Washington, D.C.
The US Department of Justice describes the RIS Network as a network of the Russian state apparatus engaged in organizing attacks, including assassinations, abroad. According to the department, the network initially focused on dissidents from Russia and individuals who had left the intelligence services, and later began targeting countries considered allies of Ukraine.
According to US officials, three of the defendants held high-ranking positions within the RIS Network.
One of them is Yuriy Khrameyev, known by the nickname "Colonel Yuriy." The US Attorney's Office identifies him as a former colonel of the Russian intelligence services. According to the charges, Khrameyev was involved in recruiting perpetrators to kill Russian dissidents.