Russian security forces have arrested a man accused of attempting to build an improvised explosive device (IED) and planning to carry out a bombing at the country’s Ministry of Justice building. Judicial authorities identified the suspect as Vitaly Larin. According to a court ruling, he will remain in pretrial detention until July 29, 2026, while the investigation is completed.
Russian media reported that Larin was arrested in Moscow on May 28. He had previously been sentenced to 15 days of administrative detention after being found carrying a briefcase containing pro-Ukrainian promotional leaflets inside the Ministry of Justice building. At the time, Larin claimed that he had found the briefcase by chance.
Russian authorities have not yet released further details regarding the suspect’s possible motives or whether other individuals may have been involved in the case. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have declined to provide additional information.
In recent months, Russian security agencies have significantly increased surveillance of activities related to the war in Ukraine. These measures are part of broader security efforts implemented by Russian authorities following the outbreak of the conflict between the two countries.
In a separate case, the Second Western District Military Court of Russia found three residents of the Oryol region guilty of treason and collaboration with Ukrainian contacts in preparing a terrorist attack. According to the court’s ruling, the individuals were sentenced to lengthy prison terms.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
