The 2nd Western District Military Court sentenced Roman Tarasov, a 21-year-old resident of Murom, to 17 years in prison in a case involving terrorism and preparing a terrorist act. The court’s press service reported the ruling.
Under the sentence, Tarasov is to spend the first four years in prison, with the remainder of the term in a maximum-security penal colony. The court also ordered him to pay more than two million rubles in compensation to victims and to the state budget.
According to the security services, in February 2022 Tarasov and his acquaintances, whom investigators described as dissatisfied with Russia’s “special military operation,” formed a “criminal group.” Law enforcement said its purpose was to carry out arson attacks, “intimidate the population,” and influence government representatives.
Investigators allege that in March and September 2025, the young man, in exchange for money, doused two cars with gasoline and set them on fire in Moscow. Case materials say the vehicles were allegedly pointed out to him by a handler.
The security services also claimed that Tarasov was preparing to set fire to another vehicle belonging to a General Staff officer, but was detained before that episode was completed.
During the trial, Roman Tarasov did not admit guilt. He told the court that at an earlier stage he had incriminated himself under pressure from оперативные сотрудники.