--- title: "US charges five linked to Russian intelligence in murder plot" publication: "MediaBias News" url: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/us-charges-five-linked-to-russian-intelligence-in-murder-plot" api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/us-charges-five-linked-to-russian-intelligence-in-murder-plot" markdown: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/us-charges-five-linked-to-russian-intelligence-in-murder-plot.md" audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/us-charges-five-linked-to-russian-intelligence-in-murder-plot" category: "Conflict & Security" area: "United States" published: "2026-09-16T03:46:09.989Z" source_reported: "2026-09-16T03:15:43.201Z" updated: "2026-09-16T03:46:09.989Z" trust_score: 86 critic_score: 85 hype_score: 25 assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis" fact_check_status: "not-performed" coverage_measured: "2026-09-16T05:15:20.522007+00:00" --- # US charges five linked to Russian intelligence in murder plot *Indictment alleges network planned targeted killings and acts of terrorism in US and Europe.* **Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): - Trust 86 of 100, higher is better. Trust high (86) due to multiple named officials, the indictment document, and corroborating independent outlets. - Craft 85 of 100, higher is better. Critic score 85 reflects quoted officials, specific figures, clear separation of fact and comment, and coherent reporting. - Hype 25 of 100, lower is better. Hype 25 indicates measured language with no clickbait or exaggerated claims beyond the indictment details. Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology. **The short version** - Five individuals linked to Russian intelligence services have been charged in an indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court. - The indictment alleges the network plotted targeted killings in the U.S. and European countries supporting Ukraine, and also solicited acts of terrorism. - The FBI stated it disrupted the alleged plot through coordinated field office work. - The network has been operating since at least 2024, according to the indictment. Federal authorities announced charges against five individuals connected to Russian intelligence services, alleging they plotted targeted killings within the United States and in European nations that support Ukraine. An indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court details the alleged activities of this network. According to the indictment, the network sought to pay individuals in the U.S. and other countries to surveil targets for planned killings. It also allegedly solicited associates to carry out acts of terrorism against civilian and military infrastructure in European countries perceived as aligned with Ukraine. FBI officials James C. Barnacle Jr. and Darren B. Cox stated the agency disrupted the plot through coordinated efforts across multiple field offices and partner agencies. The indictment indicates the network has been active since at least 2024. ## Disagreement on recruitment details The indictment states that a U.S. resident was offered $1,000 and $1,500 for surveillance and $40,000 for murder, which the resident rejected. CTV News and The Hindu, in their full reports, detail this offer and rejection, noting the resident provided surveillance photos before turning down the assassination payment. Other reports, primarily digests, mention the offer of payment for murder but do not include the specific figures or the detail of the resident's rejection. ## What the coverage left out None of the right-rated reports below mention the specific figures of $1,000 and $1,500 offered for surveillance, nor the $40,000 offered for murder, which were detailed in the indictment and reported by left and centre-rated outlets. The right-rated digests also do not mention the FBI officials James C. Barnacle Jr. and Darren B. Cox by name, although they do attribute the disruption of the plot to the FBI. ## Who covered it Shares of the 34 covering outlets with a published leaning rating: - Left: 41% (14) - Centre: 38% (13) - Right: 21% (7) 17 of 51 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-16T05:15:20.522007+00:00. **Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 6 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-16T05:30:23.770Z. ## How the sides framed it ### Left - Left-rated reports led with the FBI disrupting a Russian plot to kill individuals in the U.S. and target Ukraine supporters. These reports highlighted the indictment's claims about the network's activities, including plotting targeted killings and acts of terrorism. Several left-rated outlets, including The Hindu and CTV News, published the full text of their reports, detailing the alleged recruitment of a U.S. resident for surveillance and murder, the offer of $40,000, and the resident's rejection of the assassination contract. They also quoted FBI officials James C. Barnacle Jr. and Darren B. Cox on the disruption of the plot and the accountability of the Russian government. ### Centre - Centre-rated reports focused on the FBI disrupting a Russian plot to carry out targeted killings on U.S. soil, as stated in the indictment. These reports mentioned the charges against five individuals linked to Russian intelligence services and the alleged plotting of murders and acts of terrorism in the U.S. and Europe. Reports from outlets like ANSA and KCRG noted the Department of Justice's announcement and the indictment of five people at large. The Kyiv Independent specified that the network, operating since at least 2024, had attempted to recruit people in the U.S. to surveil and kill Russian dissidents. ### Right - Right-rated reports highlighted the Department of Justice charging Russian agents for an alleged murder-for-hire plot in the U.S. These reports stated that five suspects were charged in an alleged Russian intelligence plot to surveil and kill targets in America and Europe, noting an escalation from targeting dissidents to threatening countries backing Ukraine. Outlets such as India Today and The National Herald mentioned the charges against five individuals who remain at large. VINnews reported that federal authorities announced they had thwarted a plot to kill a prominent Russian dissident. ## Factuality profile of the covering outlets These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true. - veryLow: 1 - mixed: 2 - high: 27 - unknown: 17 - veryHigh: 4 ## Verification scope This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true. ## Original reporting this was written from - [iDNES.cz](https://idnes.cz/zpravy/zahranicni/spojene-staty-rusko-vrazda-litva.A260916_060416_zahranicni_pluh) — US Authorities Have Charged Five People with Working for Russia. They Planned Contract Killings Around the World - [reform.news](https://reform.news/ssha-raskryli-rossijskuju-set-podgotovki-teraktov-i-zakaznyh-ubijstv) — The U.S. Has Discovered a Russian Network for the Preparation of Terrorist Attacks and Targeted Killings. - [portalanalitika.me](https://portalanalitika.me/clanak/clanak/iz-casa-u-cas-sad-optuzile-pet-osoba-povezanih-s-ruskom-obavjestajnom-mrezom-planirali-atentate-i-teroristicke-napade-u-zemljama-koje-podrzavaju-ukrajinu) — Hour by Hour: US Indicts Five People Linked to Russian Intelligence Network: Planning Assassinations and Terrorist Attacks in Countries that Support Ukraine - [knews.media](https://knews.media/2026/09/16/us-charges-five-men-linked-to-russian-ordered-assassination-plots) — US Charges Five Men Linked to Russian-Ordered Assassination Plots - [Digi 24](https://digi24.ro/stiri/externe/sua/cinci-persoane-au-fost-puse-sub-acuzare-in-sua-pentru-presupuse-comploturi-de-asasinat-sustinute-de-rusia-3949417) — Five People Were Indicted in the U.S. for Alleged Russian-Backed Assassination Plot - [cedarnews.net](https://cedarnews.net/italian/987436/guerra-russia-ucraina-usa-intelligence-russi-pianificano-omicidi) — Russia-Ukraine War, Russian Intelligence Plans Assassinations in America and the EU for the US - [seznamzpravy.cz](https://seznamzpravy.cz/clanek/zahranicni-spojene-staty-obvinily-pet-osob-z-ruskem-zosnovaneho-spiknuti-315456) — United States Charges Five People in Russia-Backed Conspiracy - Seznam Zprávy - [Hola News](https://holanews.com/ee-uu-acusa-a-dos-cubanos-y-un-venezolano-de-colaborar-con-una-red-rusa-de-asesinatos) — U.S. Accuses Two Cubans and One Venezuelan of Collaborating with a Russian Network of Assassinations - [Novinky.cz](https://novinky.cz/clanek/zahranicni-amerika-spojene-staty-obvinily-pet-osob-z-ruskem-zosnovaneho-spiknuti-40597915) — The United States Has Charged Five People in a Russian-Backed Conspiracy - [Amar Ujala](https://amarujala.com/world/plot-to-kill-russian-dissidents-in-the-us-and-europe-how-did-the-fbi-bust-the-intelligence-network-2026-09-16) — Plot to Kill Russian Dissidents in US-Europe: How Did the FBI Bust the Intelligence Network? - [Hot News](https://hotnews.ro/sua-a-pus-sub-acuzare-cinci-barbati-acuzati-ca-pregateau-asasinate-la-comanda-rusiei-cati-bani-se-ofereau-pentru-a-face-pe-cineva-sa-dispara-2350258) — The U.S. Has Indicted Five Men Accused of Preparing Assassinations at Russia's Command. How Much Money Were Offered to Make Someone Disappear - HotNews.ro - [IndexHR](https://index.hr/vijesti/clanak/sad-optuzio-petero-ljudi-da-su-za-ruske-tajne-sluzbe-planirali-ubojstva/2834956.aspx) — US Charges Five People with Planning Assassinations for Russian Secret Services - [The Straits Times](https://straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-charges-5-people-in-alleged-russian-backed-murder-plots) — US charges 5 people in alleged Russian-backed murder plots - [ФОКУС](https://focus.ua/uk/world/767870-min-yust-ssha-vikriv-rosiysku-agenturnu-merezhu-vona-gotuvala-vbivstva-i-terakti-po-vsomu-svitu) — US Department of Justice Exposes Russian Agent Network: It Prepared Assassinations and Terrorist Attacks Around the World - [Actualno.com](https://actualno.com/america/sasht-povdignaha-obvinenija-sreshtu-ruski-grajdani-za-terorizym-i-porychkovi-ubijstva-news_2639797.html) — US Charges Russian Citizens with Terrorism and Contract Killings - [The Epoch Times](https://theepochtimes.com/us/russian-intelligence-operatives-charged-by-doj-in-connection-to-terrorism-murder-for-hire-plots-6087891) — Russian Intelligence Operatives Charged by DOJ in Connection to Terrorism, Murder-for-Hire Plots - [ГОЛОВНА](https://glavcom.ua/world/observe/ssha-visunuli-zvinuvachennja-kilkom-rosijanam-u-pidhotovtsi-zamovnikh-ubivstv-1143028.html) — US Accuses Several Russians of Preparing Custom-Made Killings - [washingtonsun.com](https://washingtonsun.com/us-news/fbi-disrupts-russian-plot-kill-dissident) — The FBI Says It Thwarted a Russian Plot to Kill a Prominent Dissident in D.C. - [VINnews](https://vinnews.com/2026/09/15/the-fbi-thwarted-a-russian-plot-to-kill-a-prominent-dissident-in-washington-authorities-say) — The FBI Thwarted A Russian Plot To Kill A Prominent Dissident In Washington, Authorities Say - [ANSA](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/09/16/usa-i-servizi-dintelligence-russi-pianificano-omicidi-mirati-in-america-ed-europa_f3ed66ee-7909-4b01-a1d0-792261ec7d47.html) — USA: 'Russian Intelligence Services Plan Targeted Murders in America and Europe' - [KCRG](https://kcrg.com/2026/09/16/fbi-disrupts-russian-plot-carry-out-targeted-killings-us-soil-indictment-says) — FBI disrupts Russian plot to carry out targeted killings on US soil, indictment says - [WFMZ](https://wfmz.com/news/ap/ap-national/the-fbi-thwarted-a-russian-plot-to-kill-a-prominent-dissident-in-washington-authorities-say/article_1ab63ffb-50b1-56e4-b57a-b3b35fb18dff.html) — The FBI thwarted a Russian plot to kill a prominent dissident in Washington, authorities say - [The Standard-Journal](https://standard-journal.com/ap/national/the-fbi-thwarted-a-russian-plot-to-kill-a-prominent-dissident-in-washington-authorities-say/article_84b5061e-e559-5090-a188-6bc91b22519b.html) — The FBI thwarted a Russian plot to kill a prominent dissident in Washington, authorities say - [Washington Examiner](https://washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4728974/doj-russia-murder-for-hire-terrorism-plot) — DOJ charges Russian agents for alleged murder-for-hire plot in US - [The Kyiv Independent](https://kyivindependent.com/us-charges-5-suspects-linked-to-alleged-russian-assassination-sabotage-network-targeting-ukraines-allies) — US charges 5 suspects linked to alleged Russian assassination, sabotage network targeting Ukraine's allies - [The National Herald](https://thenationalherald.com/indictment-says-fbi-shut-down-russian-plot-to-kill-us-individuals-and-target-ukraine-supporters) — Indictment Says FBI Shut down Russian Plot to Kill US Individuals and Target Ukraine Supporters - [CBS News](https://cbsnews.com/news/doj-accuses-russian-intelligence-agents-murder-plot) — DOJ accuses Russian intelligence agents of plotting to murder U.S. dissident - [India Today](https://indiatoday.in/world/story/russian-intelligence-plot-us-europe-fbi-charges-targeted-killings-ptag-2995540-2026-09-16) — US says Russian spy network plotted killings in America and Europe - [CTV News](https://ctvnews.ca/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/indictment-says-fbi-shut-down-russian-plot-to-kill-us-individuals-and-target-ukraine-supporters) — Indictment says FBI shut down Russian plot to kill U.S. individuals and target Ukraine supporters - [The Hindu](https://thehindu.com/news/international/indictment-says-fbi-shut-down-russian-plot-to-kill-us-individuals-target-ukraine-supporters/article71470877.ece) — Indictment says FBI shut down Russian plot to kill U.S. individuals, target Ukraine supporters - [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/national/2026/09/indictment-says-fbi-shut-down-russian-plot-to-kill-us-individuals-and-target-ukraine-supporters) — Indictment says FBI shut down Russian plot to kill US individuals and target Ukraine supporters – WTOP News - [WBAL](https://wbal.com/indictment-says-fbi-shut-down-russian-plot-to-kill-us-individuals-and-target-ukraine-supporters) — Indictment says FBI shut down Russian plot to kill US individuals and - [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/world/united-states/indictment-says-fbi-shut-down-russian-plot-to-kill-us-individuals-and-target-ukraine-supporters/article_0b77eb09-1be3-59ab-a030-fdf05a5b8e3d.html) — Indictment says FBI shut down Russian plot to kill US individuals and target Ukraine supporters - [Newsday](https://newsday.com/news/nation/russia-targeted-murder-plots-m88202) — The FBI thwarted a Russian plot to kill a prominent dissident in Washington, authorities say - [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/indictment-says-fbi-shut-down-russian-plot-to-kill-us-individuals-and-target-ukraine-supporters) — Indictment says FBI shut down Russian plot to kill US individuals and target Ukraine supporters - [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/russia-targeted-murder-plots-e37b0027e717823605af688096184b37) — The FBI thwarted a Russian plot to kill a prominent dissident in Washington, authorities say - [LancasterOnline](https://lancasteronline.com/news/national/indictment-says-fbi-shut-down-russian-plot-to-kill-us-individuals-and-target-ukraine-supporters/article_ee9d8662-98bc-538f-a4e5-8115da8cd639.html) — Indictment says FBI shut down Russian plot to kill US individuals and target Ukraine supporters - [Gazeta Do Povo](https://gazetadopovo.com.br/mundo/eua-acusam-rede-ligada-a-inteligencia-da-russia-de-planejar-assassinatos-e-ataques-terroristas) — U.S. Accuses Russian Intelligence-Related Network of Planning Terrorist Murders and Attacks - [Unknown](https://obozrevatel.com/ukr/novosti-mir/minyust-ssha-visunuv-obvinuvachennya-grupi-gromadyan-rosii-povyazanih-zi-spetssluzhbami-podrobitsi.htm) — US Department of Justice Indicted a Group of Russian Citizens Associated with the Special Services: Details - [Korrespondent.net](https://korrespondent.net/world/4912046-v-ssha-neskolkykh-rossyian-obvynyly-v-terroryzme) — In the United States, Several Russians Have Been Accused of Terrorism. - [ТСН.ua](https://tsn.ua/svit/planuvaly-seriiu-vbyvstv-u-ssha-vykryly-hrupu-poviazanu-iz-rosiyskoiu-rozvidkoiu-3169355.html) — 'Planned Series of Assassinations': US Exposes Group Linked to Russian Intelligence - [unn.ua](https://unn.ua/news/u-ssha-vykryly-pidhotovku-zamakhu-na-rosiiskoho-opozytsionera-u-vashynhtoni-slid-vede-do-spetssluzhb-rf) — The United States Revealed the Preparation of an Assassination Attempt on a Russian Oppositionist in Washington, the Trail Leads to the Russian Intelligence Services - [La Repubblica](https://repubblica.it/esteri/2026/09/16/diretta/guerra_ucraina_russia_news_oggi-425587602) — Ukraine-Russian War, Today's News. USA: Russian Intelligence Planned Targeted Murders in America and the EU - [zbruc.eu](https://zbruc.eu/node/125316) — US Law Enforcement Officers Detained a Group of Russians Linked to the Russian Intelligence Services. - [tvrain.tv](https://tvrain.tv/news/v-ssha-predjavili-obvinenija-svjazannoj-so-spetssluzhbami-gruppe-rossijan-kotorye-planirovali-ubit-rossijskogo-dissidenta-v-vashingtone-576037) — In the United States, a Group of Russians Were Accused of Plotting an Attack on a "Russian Dissident" in Washington. - [Meduza](https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/09/15/new-york-prosecutors-charge-suspected-russian-intelligence-agents-who-allegedly-plotted-to-kill-a-russian-dissident-they-believed-was-in-washington) — New York prosecutors charge suspected Russian intelligence agents who allegedly plotted to kill a ‘Russian dissident’ they believed was in Washington - [Unknown](https://nv.ua/ukr/world/geopolitics/min-yust-ssha-zvinuvativ-gromadyan-rosiji-u-finansuvanni-terorizmu-obvinuvachennya-shchodo-spivpraci-zi-specsluzhbami-50641731.html) — US Accuses Russian Citizens of Financing Terrorism and Preparing Custom Assassinations - [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/news/world/united-states/indictment-says-fbi-shut-down-russian-plot-to-kill-us-individuals-and-target-ukraine-supporters/article_941e8b93-abdb-5bda-8c43-aaf5b0b58a17.html) — Indictment says FBI shut down Russian plot to kill US individuals and target Ukraine supporters - [The Record](https://therecord.com/news/world/united-states/indictment-says-fbi-shut-down-russian-plot-to-kill-us-individuals-and-target-ukraine-supporters/article_3df3b17d-fd04-5160-a6ff-51be9ac37bb8.html) — Indictment says FBI shut down Russian plot to kill US individuals and target Ukraine supporters - [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/world/2026/09/15/indictment-says-fbi-shut-down-russian-plot-to-kill-us-individuals-and-target-ukraine-supporters) — Indictment says FBI shut down Russian plot to kill US individuals and target Ukraine supporters - [Courthouse News Service](https://courthousenews.com/feds-accuse-russia-of-backing-murder-for-hire-plot-on-us-soil) — Feds accuse Russia of backing murder-for-hire plot on US soil ## Questions **What are the charges against the five individuals?** The indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court charges five individuals linked to Russian intelligence services with plotting targeted killings in the United States and European nations supporting Ukraine. They are also accused of soliciting acts of terrorism against civilian and military infrastructure. **When did this alleged network begin operating?** According to the indictment, the network of individuals working for Russian Federation intelligence services has been operating and conspiring to conduct attacks and murders around the world, including within the United States, since at least 2024. **What actions did the FBI take?** FBI officials stated that the agency disrupted the alleged plot through coordinated work across multiple field offices and partner agencies. They moved quickly to disrupt the plot once the threat was identified and aimed to hold the Russian government accountable for its actions. --- MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/conflict/us-charges-five-linked-to-russian-intelligence-in-murder-plot. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "US charges five linked to Russian intelligence in murder plot", https://mediabias.news/conflict/us-charges-five-linked-to-russian-intelligence-in-murder-plot