US charges five alleged Russian agents over Kremlin‑ordered assassination plots

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday that it has filed charges against five individuals it identifies as alleged Russian intelligence operatives for allegedly recruiting a worldwide network to plan and execute attacks and assassinations on behalf of the Kremlin. The indictment accuses the suspects of conspiring to commit murder, kidnapping and other violent acts, and of coordinating the recruitment and direction of foreign actors to carry out those illicit activities.

According to the Justice Department, the five agents remain at large and have not been apprehended. The charges come amid heightened scrutiny of Russian covert operations abroad and underscore ongoing concerns about state‑sponsored violence targeting U.S. interests and allies. The DOJ said it will continue to pursue the case and work with international partners to locate and prosecute the individuals involved.