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Poland charges five with sabotage for Russian intelligence

16.01.2026 17:15
Polish prosecutors have charged five people with carrying out acts of sabotage on behalf of Russian intelligence, accusing them of sending parcels containing hidden explosive devices to destinations in the European Union, Britain and the United States.
The Warsaw headquarters of the National Public Prosecutors Office.
The Warsaw headquarters of the National Public Prosecutor's Office.Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

The National Public Prosecutor's Office said on Friday that an indictment had been filed with a court in Warsaw.

Prosecutors said the parcels were sent via courier companies and were intended to ignite during transport or at transshipment hubs, targeting logistics and aviation infrastructure.

The suspects, four Ukrainian citizens and one Russian, are accused of acting on behalf of Russian intelligence in July and August 2024 and of preparing or carrying out acts of sabotage, prosecutors said.

Three of the defendants have also been charged with using explosive and incendiary materials and "causing damage to property of significant value."

Prosecutors estimated the total damage at about PLN 3 million (EUR 710,000).

One suspect faces an additional charge of attempting to cause an air traffic disaster.

All the alleged offences have been classified as terrorist acts under Polish law.

The defendants face up to life imprisonment if convicted and are being held in pre-trial detention, state news agency PAP reported.

(pm/gs)

Source: IAR, PAP