Ukrainian security services say explosives for planned Odesa attacks were transported from Abkhazia

The Security Service of Ukraine, together with military intelligence and the navy, says it has uncovered a large-scale maritime smuggling network allegedly used by Russian operatives to transport explosive-laden drones for planned terrorist attacks in Odesa.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the operation to identify the group lasted more than a year.

Investigators say the smuggling chain was organised by an Odesa-based individual currently abroad and allegedly involved in illegal activities in the Russian-occupied Georgian region of Abkhazia.

The Security Service claims the suspect agreed to carry out tasks for Russia’s Federal Security Service in exchange for permission to conduct smuggling operations in the Caucasus. Authorities allege the network was used to transport fibre-optic guided attack drones loaded with explosives into Ukraine.

According to the investigation, the smuggling route passed through the Black Sea, with weapons and drones hidden among large shipments of tobacco products.

Ukrainian officials said the contraband was transferred near Zmiinyi Island (Snake Island) from a larger civilian vessel onto smaller boats to secretly deliver the cargo to the Odesa coastline. Investigators also allege the organiser recruited three accomplices in Odesa and a local border guard to facilitate the operation.

Law enforcement officers detained four suspects near the port of Odesa after documenting the group’s activities, the statement said.

Searches conducted in the Odesa and Chernivtsi regions reportedly led to the seizure of 1,800 boxes of contraband tobacco products, a Russian-made drone, illegally modified automatic weapons, communication equipment and documents.

The suspects face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property if convicted.