In Odessa, a man carried out a sabotage operation for 4,000 at the behest of the Russian Federation

In Odesa, a man was sentenced to prison for setting fire to Ukrzaliznytsia relay cabinets at the behest of a man who, according to investigators, was acting in Russia’s interests. 

The Khadzhibey District Court of Odessa handed down the verdict on October 27.

According to investigators, in August 2024, the man received a message on Telegram offering him money to set fire to Odessa Railway relay cabinets. He was promised $250 for each arson. He agreed and enlisted his neighbor to help carry out the task.

In August, the men set out to look for suitable targets near the railroad tracks. First, they found a relay cabinet and photographed it to send to the client and receive confirmation that the target was suitable. However, since the structure was located in a crowded area, they decided to look for another one.

Eventually, they chose a relay cabinet at the 1,504th kilometer, near the entrance traffic light of the “Odesa-Zastava-1” station. To set the fire, the men purchased half a liter of fire starter and a lighter at a store.

In the evening, they returned to the chosen location. Each doused a separate cabinet with the flammable liquid, then stepped back for a few minutes, fearing a possible explosion. Then both set the structures on fire. The fire damaged the cabinet, but the equipment inside remained intact.

One of the men filmed the arson on video to send it to the client as proof that the job had been completed. According to the man, he received 8,000, half of which he gave to his accomplice.

Investigators determined that the client was acting in the interests of the Russian Federation and had proposed not only setting fire to railway facilities himself but also recruiting others to do so.

The man pleaded guilty and expressed sincere remorse and cooperation with the investigation. Ultimately, the judge found the man guilty of attempted sabotage committed by a group of individuals acting in prior conspiracy under martial law. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property. The verdict may be appealed within 30 days.

Анна Літман