The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia announces that it has “blocked” the channel for importing explosive devices into Russia, hidden in icons, which are sent by Ukraine through the countries of the European Union, in particular Romania, reports TASS.

Icons that the FSB claims were used to hide explosivesPhoto: TASS / ddp USA / Profimedia

“During the inspection of the car by the Russian FSB officers at the Ubylinka international road checkpoint (not in the Pskov region on the border of Russia and Latvia), foreign-made explosives were found in a batch of Orthodox icons and church objects. imported into the Russian Federation from Ukraine,” the FSB press service informed TASS, adding that the items were discovered as a result of a joint operation with the Russian customs service.

The FSB video of the alleged abduction includes the testimony of the driver of the car, who claims to have driven through Romania.

“In total, 27 improvised explosive devices disguised as badges and ready for use, 70 kg of high-powered plastic explosives, 91 electric detonators and parts of combat equipment were seized from the cargo, which was headed along the route Ukraine – Romania – Hungary – Slovakia – Poland – Lithuania – Latvia – Russia parts for RPG-7,” the FSB claims.

FSB officials say a person involved in the crime has been detained, but have not released additional information, such as his identity and involvement in the alleged scheme.

TASS also notes that the investigative department of the FSB in the Pskov region opened criminal proceedings under Article 226.1 of the Criminal Code of Russia (illegal transportation of explosive substances and explosive devices across the border of the Russian Federation by an organized group of persons). ), which provides up to 10 years of imprisonment.

“All the organizers and accomplices of the crime, including foreign citizens, will be declared wanted and prosecuted in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation,” the FSB stressed.

The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) called the attempt to import icons filled with explosives into Russia “blasphemy”, reports one of the most popular Russian news sites “Lenta”.

This was announced by Vakhtang Kipsidze, Deputy Head of the Synodal Department for Relations of the Russian Orthodox Church with Society and Mass Media of the Moscow Patriarchate.

He also noted that “anything can be expected” from those who decide to hide bombs in religious facilities and that “a struggle is being waged against canonical Orthodoxy” in Ukraine.