Nine individuals in Poland have been detained on suspicion of sabotage linked to Russian intelligence, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Monday.
The detainees, now facing charges, were allegedly involved in disruptive activities orchestrated by Russia, Mr. Tusk stated in a private TVN24 interview. The suspects include citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, and Poland, some of whom were reportedly inducted from criminal circles.
The charges against the detainees include physical assaults, arson, and attempted arson, the Polish Prime Minister explained. He clarified that the suspected sabotage attempts were not restricted to Poland but also targeted Lithuania, Latvia, and potentially Sweden, necessitating an ongoing international investigation.
Among the listed incidents, Tusk mentioned a botched arson plan at a paint factory in Wroclaw, Western Poland, and a fire at an Ikea centre in Lithuania.
He also announced that a public update on the acts of sabotage in Poland would be released shortly.
In mid-May, Tusk confirmed plans to strengthen Polish intelligence services following alleged Moscow-sponsored destabilisation efforts, earmarking 100 million zlotys (around €23.5 million) for civilian and military counter-espionage services.
He also revealed that several sabotage attempts had been thwarted due to vigilance by Polish and allied services.
