A group that was preparing to kill a Russian activist granted asylum in Lithuania and a political adviser known for criticizing Russia has been uncovered in Lithuania. This was reported by Delfi.
The killings were not carried out. In March last year, police conducted an operation and detained suspects. In February this year, a 55-year-old man suspected of planning the crime was detained in Greece under a European arrest warrant issued by Lithuania.
The case materials mention four Greek nationals, including one who also has Russian citizenship. Citizens of Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania are also among the suspects. The publication Voria уточняет, что в деле фигурируют двое граждан Беларуси. Their role in the group was not disclosed in the reports.
According to media reports, the main organizers coordinated surveillance and prepared a murder plan that hired individuals were supposed to carry out for 40,000 euros, while the organizer was to receive 50,000 euros. Part of the amount, 5,000 euros, had already been transferred to finance the initial stage, including obtaining documents and paying for travel to Lithuania.
The suspects gathered information on potential targets, monitored them, took photographs and videos, and a tracking device was installed in the car of one of the potential victims. Police also believe the suspects hacked the activist’s electronic systems. One of the suspects linked to Greece may have tried to find a Lithuanian citizen who was supposed to provide a weapon, but that plan was not carried out.
The investigation is ongoing. One of the suspects may be in Germany.
