Full Breakdown
Russian Intelligence Network Charged in U.S. Murder-for-Hire Plot
By Drooid · · How we work
Indictment Overview
On September 15, 2026, federal prosecutors in Manhattan unsealed an indictment accusing five individuals of operating a “global assassination network” directed by Russian intelligence services. The indictment alleges that the network sought to surveil and murder a prominent Russian dissident believed to reside in the Washington, D.C., area, and a second dissident thought to be living in Lithuania. Prosecutors say the plot was part of a broader campaign to target “countries that are helping Ukraine.” The five defendants—Yuri Khrameev, his son Kirill Khrameev, Oemis Romagoza Durruthy, Yaidel Delgado Suarez, and Angel Eduardo Castro (22)—remain at large and are charged with conspiracy to finance terrorism; three face an additional charge of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire.
Background of Russian Intelligence Services (RIS) Activities
Russia’s intelligence agencies have long been accused by Western governments of targeting critics abroad, including the 2020 poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny and the 2018 Skripal case. The Department of Justice (DoJ) characterizes the current scheme as an extension of that pattern, aiming at dissidents in the United States and NATO-aligned European states.
Participants and Financial Details
- Yuri Khrameev – former Russian intelligence colonel, alleged senior coordinator.
- Kirill Khrameev – officer in Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).
- Yaidel Delgado Suarez – Cuban national identified as “Viking.”
- Angel Eduardo Castro – Venezuelan national.
The indictment states that a Brooklyn resident was recruited to photograph two locations linked to the Washington target for $1,000-$1,500. An additional $40,000 was offered to “eliminate” the target, which the recruit refused. In the Lithuania case, a U.S.
Official U.S. Statements
Assistant Attorney General for National Security **John A. “These defendants allegedly operated as part of a global assassination network that reached into the United States, attempting to recruit U.S. citizens and foreigners to carry out killings at the behest of the Kremlin,” — Assistant Attorney General, said assistant attorney
**James C. “Actions like these represent a gross violation of our sovereignty and a threat to our national security.” — James C. Barnacle Jr, head of New York’s FBI office
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The indictment does not name the intended Washington-area dissident, leaving the victim’s identity undisclosed.
- Federal officials have not detailed how the FBI disrupted the plot, citing ongoing investigations.
- All five defendants are believed to remain in Russia, but their exact locations are unknown.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These defendants allegedly operated as part of a global assassination network that reached into the United States, attempting to recruit U.S. citizens and foreigners to carry out killings at the behest of the Kremlin,” — Assistant Attorney General, said assistant attorney
- “Actions like these represent a gross violation of our sovereignty and a threat to our national security.” — James C. Barnacle Jr, head of New York’s FBI office