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Poland Files Charges Against 5 Individuals Linked to Russian Intelligence in Terrorist Arson Attacks
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The Polish Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges against five individuals involved in an organized criminal group that allegedly carried out sabotage acts on behalf of Russian intelligence,
This was reported by Polish broadcaster RMF on April 2.
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The individuals are accused of orchestrating arson attacks, including incidents at an OBI store in Warsaw in April 2024, an IKEA store in Vilnius, and a shopping center in Warsaw in May 2024. These attacks have been classified as terrorist acts, as reported by RMF.
The indictment, announced by the prosecution on Thursday, pertains to sabotage and terrorist crimes committed on behalf of the Russian Federation’s Foreign Intelligence Service.
As reported by RMF, the suspects are described as part of an “organized criminal group,” which the National Prosecutor's Office claims was involved in setting fires in large buildings with the intent to instill fear among the public and influence public opinion.
The accused include Daniil B., Oleksandr H., Vitaliy K., Serhiy R., Pavlo T., and Vladyslav Y., who have already been convicted in a separate trial. Additionally, Serhiy Chaly and Oleksandr Varyvoda have been declared fugitives. Stepans K., one of the accused, is a Belarusian citizen, while the others are Ukrainian nationals.
In addition, in 2025, Polish authorities brought charges of espionage against a Russian couple, accusing them of working on behalf of Russian intelligence services. According to prosecutors, Igor R. and his wife Irina, whose identities are protected under Poland's privacy laws, were involved in gathering sensitive information on Russian opposition activists living in Poland, as well as those supporting them.
Furthermore, Igor R. faces a separate accusation of attempting to send an explosive device through a courier service. Prosecutors claim that he was responsible for manufacturing and dispatching a parcel bomb containing nitroglycerine and military-grade detonators.
The couple’s alleged actions come amid growing concerns in Europe over the use of courier services for delivering explosive devices. Earlier in 2024, similar incidents of parcel bombings were reported at courier depots in the UK, Germany, and near Warsaw.
Previously, Polish authorities have formally charged a Belarusian citizen, Artem K., for allegedly offering to collaborate with the Belarusian KGB and participate in sabotage activities throughout the European Union.
Prosecutors have filed the indictment with the District Court in Białystok. Investigators claim that in December 2024, while in Warsaw, Artem K. expressed his willingness to assist Belarusian intelligence in operations against Poland.
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