Denis Lukanenok, accused of carrying out sabotage tasks on behalf of Russian special services, stated in court his readiness to plead guilty and conclude an agreement with the prosecutor. According to his lawyer, the man agreed to perform the tasks due to the promised reward of about 1000 euros.
On Wednesday, during a court hearing, Denis Lukanenok stated that he is ready to sign an agreement with the prosecution to plead guilty and accept a sentence.
His lawyer, Alexander Laivins, explained to reporters that his client understands the seriousness of the crime committed and realizes that he faces a severe punishment.
According to the defense attorney, Lukanenok did not inquire about the identity of the person who offered him tasks in the interests of Russian special services. He agreed solely for financial reasons — he was promised about 1000 euros for the work done.
Karina Ivanova, Lukanenok's civil partner, is also charged in this criminal case. However, she informed her lawyer before the hearing that she does not intend to plead guilty, as she considers herself innocent.
The court postponed the hearing until August 20, so that Ivanova could finalize her position after consulting with her defense attorney. The prosecutor noted that if one of the defendants refuses the deal, the criminal case may be split.
Earlier, two other defendants in this case — Konstantin Shiryayev and Konstantin Yakubovsky — had already been convicted. Yakubovsky received two years and three months in prison for incitement to arson, while Shiryayev received three years and two months for aiding and illegal possession of drugs.
According to the investigation, Ivanova and Lukanenok are accused of setting fire to a hangar of a private company related to a defense project, as well as scouting other sites for possible sabotage. The investigation established that the group was also preparing to set fire to a cargo truck with Ukrainian license plates on the premises of a critical infrastructure facility and provided the organizers in Russia with photo and video materials of potential targets.
As previously reported by the State Security Service (VDD), the group, organized at the initiative of Russian special services, acted out of selfish motives. All four defendants had previously been convicted of other crimes but were not on the radar of special services before the investigation began.
If Lukanenok officially concludes an agreement with the prosecution, the court proceedings against him may conclude more quickly. As for Karina Ivanova, the process will likely continue in the usual manner if she maintains her refusal to plead guilty.
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