Lithuanian law enforcement revealed details about the preparation of political assassinations in Lithuania. Belarusians were also involved
The Lithuanian Criminal Police and the Prosecutor General's Office reported some details about the uncovering of a large-scale international criminal scheme, within which the assassinations of two people in Lithuania, as well as other acts of a terrorist nature, were being prepared.
Vilnius. Illustrative photo. Photo: Getty Images / Pavel Tochinsky
It all started in early 2025, when a Russian citizen permanently residing in Lithuania (his name is not disclosed, but it was previously reported that it was Bashkir activist Ruslan Ghabasov) contacted the police after finding a hidden tracking device in his car. After verification, it turned out that the person was indeed being watched, and his life was in real danger.
During the subsequent investigation, criminal police officers discovered that not only his assassination was being prepared, but also an attack on a Lithuanian citizen (previously named as activist Valdas Bartkevičius, who organizes aid to Ukraine and is known for his sometimes extravagant behavior). The investigation believes that both individuals were specifically chosen because of their political views and activities.
According to the investigation, from summer 2024, group members collected information about future victims: places of residence, movements, lifestyle, workplaces, and other data. Technical surveillance means and secret tracking were used for this purpose.
Citizens of several countries were involved in the scheme, according to the investigation: Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Latvia, Moldova, and Greece. Some of them lived in Lithuania, while others came specifically to perform specific tasks.
The main perpetrators of the assassinations were to be two Greek citizens, one of whom also held Russian citizenship. They are linked to the criminal underworld. They sought help from local criminal circles in Lithuania: clarifying how best to approach the victims, what escape route to take after the attack, where to acquire weapons or other means for the assassination, and how to dispose of evidence.
On March 12, 2025, a special operation involving the anti-terrorist unit "Aras" took place in Vilnius. As a result, the main suspects were detained.
After analyzing the collected materials, the investigation also identified other organizers and financiers. In early 2026, an international operation was carried out together with foreign partners. New arrests and searches took place in Poland, Ukraine, and Greece.
It is separately emphasized that the investigation revealed links between the perpetrators and the masterminds, who, according to the Lithuanian side, acted in the interests of Russian military intelligence.
In addition to preparing assassinations, the suspects could also be involved in other tasks: collecting information about military facilities, as well as organizing arson attacks on military equipment that could be used to support Ukraine.
Currently, charges or suspicions have been brought against 13 individuals. Nine people have already been detained. European arrest warrants have been issued for another four, and they continue to be sought. Three of those detained abroad have already been handed over to Lithuania, and the extradition of two more individuals is being resolved.
The investigation is ongoing, and Lithuanian authorities state close cooperation with foreign special services and law enforcement agencies.
Comments
{Усяго 7 краін.}
На гэты момант абвінавачанні або падазрэнні выстаўленыя 13 асобам. Дзевяць чалавек ужо затрыманыя.
Дык колькі было беларусаў з гэтых 13 асобаў з 7 краін?
Так напісалі, што быццам бы адны беларусы ва ўсім вінаватыя.