According to the FSB, the smuggling plan involved six individuals from Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East. The plot was coordinated by a "subject" from a foreign country residing abroad, but did not give a specific name.
The group was accused of using commercial contractors to purchase new components for Russian-made Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters from manufacturing and operating companies.
After that, these spare parts were intended to be smuggled across the border. The FSB estimates that the above components are enough to restore at least 4 helicopters.
The FSB said the total value of the smuggled shipment was estimated at more than 400 million rubles ($5 million).
A video released by the FSB shows two people, one of whom has a handcuff and covered his face. Right next to it are 2 large containers and one of them contains objects that resemble helicopter components.
The Mi-8 is the most produced helicopter in the world, born in the 1960s and mainly used in logistics tasks on the battlefield such as transporting soldiers and providing medical emergency care.
The Mi-17 - an export version of the Mi-8 with upgraded engines and fan systems - appeared in the late 1970s, also serving similar purposes.
Since the conflict with Russia escalated in 2022, Ukraine has been actively searching for Soviet-era equipment around the world to maintain its existing fleet, often dismantling out-of-use equipment for replacement parts.
In order to support Kiev, Western countries have provided a large number of weapons and equipment during the former Soviet Union, which were easier to operate and maintain than equipment produced by the West.
Meanwhile, Russia has repeatedly condemned the Western supply of weapons to Ukraine, saying it would only prolong the conflict without changing the outcome.
