Russia – VOIEDs disguised as perfume gift sets recovered at Chelyabinsk Airport

During the inspection of postal parcels at Chelyabinsk Airport, the FSB recovered five parcels comprised of VOIEDs concealed as perfume gift sets. A press statement published on 13 March 2025 revealed that the devices were intended to be used in attacks targeting Russian military personnel and government officials. X-ray images show the device comprised of a 9V battery, an electric detonator and a clothes peg attached. The devices were reportedly designed to function when the packages were opened. Subsequent investigations in Chelyabinsk led to the discovery of four additional VOIEDs, each with a St. George ribbon attached.

A Russian citizen was arrested in connection with the incident. The detainee had allegedly recovered the devices from a cache prepared by the Ukrainian special services, who had promised him a financial reward for sending the devices to each target. The perpetrator had sent packages to military personnel and government officials in Moscow, Voronezh, Krasnodar Krai and Saratov Oblasts. 

In January 2025, an IED reportedly sent from Ukraine was similarly rendered safe at an airport in Moldova.

For more information on this event, please contact EWS.

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