Polish security service detains soldier on espionage suspicion Photo

Poland’s Internal Security Agency has detained a member of the Territorial Defence Forces in Poznań on suspicion of spying for Russian intelligence services.

According to investigators, the man, identified as Jarosław K., is alleged to have collaborated with foreign intelligence between July 2023 and April 2024. He officially joined the Territorial Defence Forces in March 2024, after previously completing voluntary military training, Caliber.Az reports via Polish media. 

Authorities said the suspect had publicly expressed pro-Russian and anti-Western views on social media and had participated in events linked to radical movements. He is also alleged to have published anti-Ukrainian and anti-Western content that security experts say was widely circulated online.

Investigators claim that, in his role as a radio operator within a Territorial Defence unit, he had access to sensitive materials, including operational orders, training schedules, and personal data of military personnel.

However, a court initially refused to authorize his arrest, stating that the evidence presented did not conclusively prove espionage, though it did not rule out the possibility of information being passed to foreign intelligence services. Prosecutors have since appealed the decision, arguing that the evidence is sufficient to justify detention.

Following his arrest, the suspect was dismissed from military service.

Security analysts say the case highlights potential vulnerabilities in Poland’s reservist recruitment system and raises concerns about possible foreign intelligence efforts to penetrate territorial defence structures.

By Sabina Mammadli