FSB reports prison sentences for 39 people over arson and sabotage

Russian courts sentenced 39 people from 17 regions to between 10 and 26 years in prison, the FSB said on October 9. The cases involved arson and preparations for sabotage.

According to the agency, those convicted set fire to aircraft, transport and communications facilities and planned sabotage of railway infrastructure. The FSB alleged that they acted on instructions from Ukrainian intelligence services.

The agency said participants were recruited through messaging groups offering quick earnings. It alleged that organisers often blocked participants' accounts after assignments or paid substantially less than the promised sums.

The FSB, Investigative Committee and Interior Ministry took part in the investigations. The statement listed cases involving treason, terrorist acts, assistance to terrorist activity, sabotage, preparations for sabotage and other offences.

The FSB said courts found the defendants guilty and imposed the reported sentences. It also warned of continuing recruitment attempts through promises of money, help avoiding prosecution and assistance leaving the country.