Speaking to state news agency PAP, Żaryn emphasized that Polish counterintelligence is treating these activities "as something that will be resurgent."
He also revealed that a spy network focused on derailing trains carrying shipments to Ukraine had previously been identified by Poland's Internal Security Agency (ABW).
"The first time we talked about a major blow to the spy network was in March. Subsequent actions and findings have allowed us to detain more individuals involved in activities for Russian secret services," Żaryn said. He added that currently there are clear attempts to rebuild the spy network and recruit new agents.
"This still remains a challenge, as we see further attempts to find people willing to work for Russian intelligence against Poland," Żaryn noted.
The deputy minister also stated that recent investigations show those cooperating with Russia or Belarus are focused on identifying key Polish infrastructure, such as military units, railroads, and airports.
"All of this is of interest to the Russians, and one can clearly see an attempt to recognize such sites with the help of collaborators," he added.
Żaryn's comments come on the heels of an August report by the US daily Washington Post, detailing how Polish counterintelligence had dismantled a network comprising Russians, Belarusians, and pro-Russian Ukrainians. These individuals were recruited on Polish territory by Russia's GRU spy agency for various activities, including sabotaging arms shipments to Ukraine.
The Washington Post compared the espionage activities to an "outsourcing model" often employed by terrorist groups, including the Islamic State. According to the newspaper, this approach leverages online methods to recruit agents and orchestrate attacks aimed at generating panic.
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Source: PAP