Former Belgorod official jailed for terror plot on railways
The Military Court of the Second Western District sentenced former official from Belgorod, Victoria Shynkaruk, to 21 years in prison and fined her 1.5 million roubles for planning a terrorist attack on railways and oil refineries, reported RIA Novosti. Locksmith Alexander Kholodkov received the same sentence.
Kholodkov will spend the first five years in prison, the remaining 16 in a penal colony, according to RIA Novosti. Meanwhile, Shynkaruk, referred to by the popular Russian Telegram channel "Baza" as "the most beautiful terrorist," will serve her entire sentence in prison. The court also imposed a fine on them – they must each pay 1.5 million roubles.
Shynkaruk and Kholodkov were found guilty of belonging to a terrorist group, illegal trading of explosives, smuggling goods and strategic resources, preparing for a terrorist attack, as well as preparing for illegal production of explosives.
The verdict was supposed to be announced a week ago, but when Shynkaruk and Kholodkov were brought to court, there was a technical problem. There was no light in the room where the defendants are searched. As a result, the announcement of the verdict was postponed.
Former official sentenced to 21 years in prison
According to investigators, Shynkaruk's former husband and Alexander Kholodkov's friend, Yevgeny Kisel, convinced the accused to accept about 500,000 roubles to prepare a terrorist attack and plant explosives.
Currently, Kisel is in Ukraine, according to investigators. The man is wanted. His former wife and friend had contact with him through popular communicators. Shynkaruk and Kholodkov did not plead guilty.
