How A Ukrainian Intelligence Operation Almost Caught 32 Alleged Russian War Criminals In Belarus

CNN: Ukraine spies tried to ensnare alleged Russian war criminals with a fake website, promises of riches and an international sting

Kiev, Ukraine and Minsk, Belarus (CNN)Security forces shattered the early morning calm of the lakeside Soviet-era resort outside the Belarusian capital of Minsk, bursting in to arrest 32 Russian mercenaries.

It was less than two weeks before Belarus' presidential election last year, and authorities suspected that the outsiders had been sent from Russia to interfere. The men were indeed part of a mission. But the target was not Belarus, and they were not under orders from any Russian entity. They were being set up. The 32, along with one other man detained in southern Belarus, were the target of an elaborate intelligence sting by Ukraine, with the knowledge and alleged support of the United States. Read more ....

Update: Ukraine lured suspected Russian war criminals out of the country with fake, $5,000-a-month jobs to try and arrest them, report says (Business Insider)

WNU Editor: 32 large Russian men with military haircuts all together at a private resort/spa would raise a red flag anywhere.

I am surprised that this failed operation is being made publicly albeit anonymously by Ukrainian intelligence officers to CNN.

I would also like to know who tipped the Belarusian authorities that there were Russian mercenaries were at this resort. A mole in Ukraine intelligence?

The Ukraine government is denying this CNN report .... Ukraine Dismisses CNN Report On 'Elaborate Plot' To Detain Russian Mercenaries In Belarus (RFE).

Update: Russia has responded to this CNN report .... CNN in fact confirms that Ukrainian secret services commit acts of state terrorism — FSB (TASS). More here .... American intelligence financed Ukrainian spy sting against purported Russian mercenaries set up & detained in Belarus, CNN alleges (RT).