Russian authorities have announced that they successfully prevented an assassination attempt aimed at senior officials of Roskomnadzor. The agency oversees communications, information technology, and media in Russia.

Officials described the incident as part of a wider effort to stop what they believe is foreign-supported extremist violence. They said the operation highlights the government’s focus on protecting key institutions.

Security Agency Intercepts Planned Attack

The Federal Security Service (FSB) released a statement explaining how its counterterrorism teams acted before the attack could take place.

According to the agency, the operation happened on April 18 and targeted a group that had planned to kill top regulators. The FSB said, “a terrorist attack on the Roskomnadzor leadership was thwarted on April 18. The attackers planned to blow up a car using an explosive device.”

Authorities warned that if the attack had been carried out, it could have caused heavy casualties and spread fear among government officials.

Arrests Across Several Cities

After gathering intelligence, law enforcement agencies conducted raids in multiple cities, including Moscow, Ufa, Novosibirsk, and Yaroslavl.

During these operations, authorities arrested seven people. They are accused of supporting far-right neo-Nazi groups. According to the FSB, the suspects were not acting alone. Instead, they were allegedly recruited through the messaging app Telegram by intelligence agencies based in Kiev.

Suspect Killed During Arrest Operation

In Moscow, the situation escalated when officers tried to detain the alleged leader of the group. The FSB said the suspect resisted arrest with weapons.

According to the official statement, the individual, a Moscow resident born in 2004, “offered armed resistance to law enforcement officers and was killed by return fire.”

Weapons and Equipment Recovered

After the arrests, investigators searched properties linked to the suspects. They found a large number of illegal weapons and equipment.

The seized items included improvised explosive devices, a live F-1 grenade, a silenced Makarov pistol, and two gas pistols. Officials also recovered communication tools such as walkie-talkies.

In addition, authorities found neo-Nazi materials and items linked to Ukrainian paramilitary groups. They also seized manuals that explained how to join an organisation that Russia has classified as a terrorist group.

Legal Action Initiated

Following the operation, authorities have launched criminal cases related to illegal possession and trafficking of weapons and explosives.

The incident reflects the strict security measures currently in place. Officials say these steps are necessary to protect government systems from threats they associate with ongoing geopolitical tensions.