FSB Arrests Muscovite Accused of Planning to Blow Up Government Motorcade

Sep. 23, 2026 Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency Russia’s FSB security service arrested a man in Moscow accused of planning to blow up the motorcade of a high-ranking government official, state media reported Wednesday, citing the law enforcement agency. In a statement carried by state media, the FSB claimed the man belonged to a designated terrorist group but did not specify which one. “He planned to commit a terrorist act in the Moscow region by blowing up a vehicle that was part of the motorcade of a high-ranking Russian official,” the agency was quoted as saying in a TASS report. The FSB did not identify the targeted official. A video released by state media showed what were said to be items the man allegedly planned to use to make a bomb, including nails and canisters. The FSB claimed the man purchased the items after searching online for how to make an improvised explosive device. A Moscow judge ordered the man to be placed in pre-trial detention during the course of the FSB’s criminal investigation, the agency said. He was charged with six counts, including preparing a terrorist attack, participat Read more about: FSB , Moscow Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more FSB Arrests Moscow Man on Treason Charges for Alleged NATO Contact The FSB accused the man of passing on personal information intended to help recruit Russian nationals for covert cooperation. 1 Min read FSB Officer Fatally Shot in Moscow Defense Ministry Building The suspected gunman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was arrested on murder charges, according to the RBC news outlet. 1 Min read FSB Says Thwarted Planned ISIS Attack on Moscow Police Station Russian security agents killed two alleged ISIS members, who they said were citizens of countries in Central Asia. 1 Min read Russia's FSB Says Detained 7 Pro-Ukraine Partisans in Moscow The arrests come days after Vladimir Putin ordered the FSB to wage an unrelenting crackdown on volunteer units fighting for Kyiv. 1 Min read