World News

DOJ charges five alleged Russian network members in murder-for-hire plots

Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment alleging global conspiracy and terrorism financing targeting Kremlin critics.

Updated Sep 16, 2026 · 02:48 UTC2 reports

The short version

Federal prosecutors in New York unsealed an indictment charging five members of the "RIS Network" with terrorism finance conspiracy.[CBS News]
The suspects include a former Russian intelligence colonel, his son, two Cubans, and a Venezuelan.[CBS News]
Three defendants face murder-for-hire conspiracy charges for allegedly plotting to target Kremlin dissidents in the U.S. and abroad.[ABC News · CBS News]
All five accused individuals are currently believed to be residing in Russia and remain at large.[CBS News]

Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment against five members of the RIS Network, charging all five with terrorism finance conspiracy.[CBS News]
The charged individuals include former Russian intelligence colonel Yuri Khrameev, his son Kirill, two Cuban operatives, and a Venezuelan operative.[CBS News]
Operatives allegedly offered $40,000 to eliminate a Russian dissident following surveillance by a recruited Brooklyn resident.[CBS News]
Yuri Khrameev allegedly offered a U.S. citizen $25,000 to kill a target in Lithuania or alterative payment to commit arson.[CBS News]

All five defendants remain at large and are believed to be living in Russia.[CBS News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.