Russian FSB mocked for botching fake 'assassination plot' video with Sims 3 video games

A video of Russian soldiers arresting several accused assassins has been widely ridiculed on social media for a couple bizarre oversights.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Monday that a terrorist group allegedly plotting to kill prominent Russian state TV journalist and Putin loyalist Vladimir Solovyov had been arrested. He claimed the plot was orchestrated by “high-ranking diplomatic officials in Europe and the United States” working with Ukraine’s security forces to divide Russian society and “destroy Russia from within.”

Video of the arrest and search of the suspects’ apartment by Russia’s spy agency, the Federal Security Service (FSB), was posted by state media outlet RIA Novosti. Shots of items seized include Ukrainian passports, a blonde wig, shirts with Nazi swatstikas and a photo of Adolf Hitler, along with some drugs and weapons.

However, journalists on Twitter also noticed three copies of the popular Sims 3 videos games – the base game and two expansions – leading to speculation an FSB agent had mixed up the “Sims” game with SIM cards used in cell phones.

BBC journalist Francis Scarr joked that the games were part of the “Ukrainian neo-Nazi starter pack,” writing: “Who knew they were so into The Sims 3?”

Who knew they were so into The Sims 3?

— Francis Scarr (@francska1) April 25, 2022

“I genuinely believe this is a dumb FSB officer being told to get 3 SIMs,” tweeted Eliot Higgins, founder of investigative firm Bellingcat.  

I genuinely believe this is a dumb FSB officer being told to get 3 SIMs.

— Eliot Higgins (@EliotHiggins) April 25, 2022

Others spotted a note stating in part, “Kill to live and live to kill,” signed with the name “Signature unclear.”

“Yes, FSB got an order to sign it with a ‘signature unclear,’ – and did so!” tweeted Sergej Sumlenny, an expert on Eastern Europe based in Berlin.

Russian FSB has fabricated a "plot" to kill Russian TV propagandist Solovyov. Allegedly by Ukrainian SBU and Nazis. One of the "evidences" is neonazi inscription on a book. Signed by "Signature unclear". Yes, FSB got an order to sign it with a "signature unclear" - and did so! pic.twitter.com/P1vnDOXOIB

— Sergej Sumlenny (@sumlenny) April 25, 2022

Another version of the video with the Sims 3 games censored was later uploaded to the FSB’s official YouTube channel.