In Thessaloniki, Greece, authorities detained a 55-year-old man whom Lithuanian investigators believe was part of a Russian intelligence network. According to Lithuanian law enforcement officials and the outlets Voria and Delfi, the group was preparing a double assassination in Lithuania. The intended targets were a Bashkir politician and a Lithuanian politician. One of the targets was reportedly Ruslan Gabbasov, head of the Committee of the Bashkir National Movement Abroad.
Investigators say Gabbasov was placed under surveillance, photographed, and had his movements mapped out, while the group used specialized surveillance equipment. According to the detained suspect, the hitmen were to be paid 40,000 euros, the group’s commander 10,000 euros, and another 5,000 euros had been allocated for passports, other documents, and the killers’ travel to Lithuania. The plot collapsed on March 12, 2025, when Lithuanian police detained several members of the group as the attack was allegedly being carried out.
