The U.S. Justice Department unsealed an indictment in mid-September. Federal prosecutors charged five men over an alleged Russian intelligence-backed network. The network was engaged in surveillance, recruitment, and targeted killings against opposition figures.

The Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported that the alleged plot organizers planned to assassinate Garry Kasparov, among others. The assassination was to take place in the United States this summer. The operative was allegedly offered $40,000 to carry out the killing and refused.

Kasparov confirmed on his social media that U.S. and Lithuanian security services warned him of the threat to his life. Garry noted that authorities did not explicitly tell him he was the unnamed target in the indictment. Kasparov was reportedly provided special protection for the first time since he moved to New York in 2013.

Garry Kasparov is a Soviet-born 13th World Chess Champion and a famous political activist. He retired from chess in 2005 to join the Russian political opposition movement and to campaign for democracy against Vladimir Putin. Kasparov has founded, co-founded, or led several prominent political organizations, coalitions, and movements throughout his political career.

Credit: ALDE Party