Polish authorities uncover Russian-linked sabotage network

The Polish Prosecutor’s Office has formally indicted five individuals accused of forming an organized criminal group that allegedly carried out acts of sabotage in support of Russian intelligence, RMF24 reports.

Authorities say the suspects were involved in arson attacks targeting an OBI store in Warsaw in April 2024, an IKEA in Vilnius, and the Marywilska 44 shopping center in Warsaw in May 2024. Prosecutors have classified these actions as terrorist acts.

“The attacks appear to have been deliberate attempts to intimidate the public and manipulate public opinion,” officials said. Investigators also pointed to preparations for a potential arson at an IKEA store in Riga.

The group reportedly included Ukrainian nationals along with Belarusian citizen. Several suspects remain at large.

This marks the second indictment in the case, following an earlier filing in April of last year, highlighting a sustained investigation into coordinated sabotage efforts linked to foreign intelligence operations.

By Vafa Guliyeva