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A Russian-backed assassination plot has come under investigation in the United States after federal authorities announced charges against five people allegedly connected to a network linked to Russian intelligence services. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the case involves allegations of surveillance, recruitment and planned targeted killings in the United States and other countries.

The charges were unsealed on September 15, 2026, following an investigation involving the FBI’s counterintelligence division. U.S. prosecutors allege that the network attempted to recruit people inside the United States to conduct surveillance and potentially carry out killings against Russian dissidents and other individuals viewed as opponents of Russian interests.

Five People Charged

The five defendants named by U.S. authorities are Russian national Yuri Khrameev, his son Kirill Khrameev, Cuban national Oemis Romagoza Durruthy, Cuban national Yaidel Delgado Suarez and Venezuelan national Angel Eduardo Castro.

The Justice Department alleges that some of the defendants had roles involving recruitment and coordination within what prosecutors describe as a Russian intelligence services network.

Authorities said the network had allegedly operated since at least 2024 and was involved in efforts targeting Russian dissidents and individuals or countries perceived to be aligned with Ukraine.

The charges include allegations related to conspiracy to commit murder for hire. Three of the defendants face that additional charge, according to the Justice Department.

Alleged Targeting of a Russian Dissident

One of the most recent allegations described by U.S. prosecutors concerns a Russian dissident believed to be living in the Washington, D.C., area.

According to the indictment, individuals associated with the network allegedly recruited a person living in the United States to conduct surveillance on the dissident. The person was allegedly provided with locations connected to the intended target and was asked to gather photographs and videos.

Prosecutors further allege that an offer of up to $40,000 was made for the killing of the dissident. The recruited individual reportedly did not want to personally carry out the killing and was allegedly asked whether another person could perform the task.

The allegations describe an operation that U.S. investigators say was disrupted before the reported killing could take place.

Investigation Focuses on Recruitment and Surveillance

The case highlights the role that recruitment and surveillance can play in alleged foreign intelligence operations.

According to the indictment, members of the network allegedly attempted to find individuals in the United States who could conduct preliminary surveillance and potentially carry out violent acts.

The Justice Department said the investigation involved the FBI’s New York and Washington field offices, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations.

Authorities have not said that the alleged assassination plan was successfully carried out. Instead, the charges concern alleged efforts to recruit people, conduct surveillance and arrange targeted violence.

Broader International Allegations

The U.S. case is not limited to an alleged operation involving a single individual.

Prosecutors allege that the network was connected to other schemes involving attacks and targeted killings outside the United States. The indictment also describes alleged efforts involving civilian and military infrastructure in European countries considered aligned with Ukraine.

These allegations form part of a broader U.S. investigation into what prosecutors describe as activities associated with Russian intelligence services.

The allegations against the defendants remain claims made by prosecutors and have not been established as facts in court.

Defendants Remain At Large

The U.S. Department of Justice said the five defendants remain at large.

Because the indictment has only recently been unsealed, further developments could provide additional information about the alleged network, its activities and the evidence gathered by investigators.

The case will also move through the U.S. federal court system, where the allegations will be tested through legal proceedings.

Why the Case Has Drawn Attention

The investigation has attracted international attention because it involves allegations of foreign intelligence-linked activity, surveillance and planned violence on U.S. soil.

For investigators, cases involving alleged foreign intelligence networks can involve multiple jurisdictions, different identities and connections across countries. The U.S. authorities’ announcement shows the role of counterintelligence investigations in identifying alleged recruitment efforts before they result in further violence.

At the same time, the legal process remains important. Criminal charges and an indictment represent allegations by prosecutors, not a final determination of guilt.

The Justice Department itself emphasized that the indictment is merely an allegation and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Investigation Continues

The Russian-backed assassination plot case remains under investigation as U.S. authorities continue pursuing the allegations outlined in the indictment.

The charges provide an initial account of what prosecutors say was an international network involved in surveillance, recruitment and planned targeted killings. Future court proceedings and additional evidence will determine how the allegations develop.

For now, the case represents a significant U.S. counterintelligence investigation involving alleged foreign-linked activity and an attempted operation against a Russian dissident on American soil.