FBI Thwarts Russian Plot to Kill Prominent Dissident in Washington

FBI disrupts Russian plot to assassinate a high-profile dissident in D.C., with charges filed against five suspects linked to Moscow's intelligence services.

Editorial Desk

September 16, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — New York, United States — Federal authorities have revealed that the FBI has successfully thwarted a plot by Russian intelligence services to assassinate a prominent Russian dissident believed to be living in Washington, D.C.

The indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court names five individuals, including high-ranking members of the Russian intelligence services, who were involved in planning and executing the operation. The network, which has been active since at least 2024, was allegedly targeting Russian dissidents and defectors, but expanded its operations after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

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The plan involved recruiting a Venezuelan citizen living in Brooklyn to surveil and kill the targeted individual. Despite being offered $40,000 for the job, the U.S. resident refused to carry out the murder. The indictment also details attempts to recruit others within the U.S. to complete the task.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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