Poland arrests three men accused of spying for Russia, planning sabotage

Poland’s Internal Security Agency has arrested three Polish citizens suspected of carrying out espionage activities on behalf of Russia, authorities announced on may 20.

The arrests were made on May 12 in the northeastern city of Białystok, according to a statement from the agency’s press office, Caliber.Az reports. 

Polish Minister-Coordinator of Intelligence Services Tomasz Siemoniak said the suspects are men aged between 48 and 62. Prosecutors have charged them with espionage, producing and distributing propaganda and disinformation materials, preparing acts of sabotage, and publicly supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Funkcjonariusze #ABW, na polecenie Podlaskiego Wydziału Zamiejscowego @PK_GOV_PL zatrzymali 3 osoby podejrzane o działania szpiegowskie na rzecz FR. Zatrzymani to obywatele RP, mężczyźni w wieku od 48 do 62 lat. Zarzuca się im działania wywiadowcze – rozpoznawanie rozmieszczenia…

— Tomasz Siemoniak (@TomaszSiemoniak) May 20, 2026

Investigators allege the group was also involved in fundraising efforts aimed at purchasing equipment for the Russian military.

According to the Internal Security Agency, the suspects acted under the direction of a Russian citizen allegedly connected to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). The men are accused of gathering intelligence on NATO troops stationed in Poland.

Authorities further stated that members of the group received training in sabotage operations, firearms handling, and combat tactics.

A Polish court has ordered the suspects to remain in custody pending further investigation.

By Sabina Mammadli