Karasyov Pyotr

Biography

2023: Arrest on charges of destroying electrical substations in Silicon Valley

On March 1, 2023, law enforcement agencies in San Jose (California) arrested software engineer Pyotr Karasev with Russian-Ukrainian roots, who previously lived in Moscow. An IT specialist is suspected of blowing up substations in Silicon Valley.

According to Vice, Karasev, 36, was detained on charges of arson, damage to a power line, detonation of an improvised explosive device and possession of bomb-making materials. According to the investigation, Karasev blew up the transformers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company in San Francisco Bay (the area belongs to Silicon Valley). The incidents occurred in December 2022 and in January 2023. As a result, thousands of residents were left without electricity. CCTV cameras recorded the suspect cycling to and from the blast site.

Left: Petr Karasev. Right: Bomb material found in search

Karasev resided at 668 Potomac Court in San Jose with his three young children and wife. During the search, chemicals for the manufacture of explosives, narcotic drugs and firearms were found. According to the police, all this was within "the easy reach of the children." What were Karasev's motives for the alleged laying of bombs is not clear. He has already admitted to using methamphetamine, motivating this with experiences in connection with the current geopolitical situation (he has relatives in Russia and Ukraine).

Karasev's wife is excluded from the list of suspects as a possible accomplice. She and her children were moved to a temporary home. It is also noted that Karasev works as a software engineer at Zoox, which designs unmanned vehicles.

He is a highly educated person. I don't know if he has a formal education in making explosives and bombs, but he is very educated in science, "said Assistant Chief of Police Paul Joseph[1]

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