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Poland charges two suspects over alleged Russian spying and sabotage

Polish authorities have disclosed charges against two Ukrainian citizens accused of spying and carrying out sabotage for Russian intelligence. Investigators allege that they surveyed critical and military infrastructure and set vehicles on fire. A court ordered three months of pretrial detention; the accusations remain the Polish authorities’ account, without a conviction.

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Over-the-shoulder view from behind a Polish investigator examining a charred, fire-damaged passenger car on an outdoor forensic inspection lot in Poland.

Charges disclosed after the arrests

Poland disclosed espionage and sabotage charges against two Ukrainian citizens on 10 November. The authorities allege that the men worked for Russian intelligence services. The announcement concerns accusations against the suspects, with no conviction announced.[1], [2]

Officers from Poland’s Internal Security Agency, known as ABW, arrested the men on 3 November in Mińsk Mazowiecki, Poland. Searches covered their accommodation and other locations linked to the investigation. The agency said officers seized data-storage devices and narcotics.[1]

Investigators allege reconnaissance and vehicle arson

ABW alleges that the suspects surveyed critical infrastructure and military facilities across Poland. Investigators also accuse them of burning vehicles after replacing their plates with ones resembling Ukrainian military registrations. The agency suggested that this could have obscured the incidents’ background and directed suspicion toward Ukraine. Payments for assigned tasks allegedly included cryptocurrency.[1]

Court orders three months of pretrial detention

The National Prosecutor’s Office unit in Lodz opened an investigation on 4 November using material gathered by ABW. The charges cite article 130, paragraphs 1 and 7, of the criminal code. At the prosecutor’s request, a court placed both suspects in pretrial detention for three months.[1]

References

  1. News sourcePoland Internal Security AgencyPoland announces detention of 2 suspects accused of spying for Russia↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceNotes from PolandTwo Ukrainians charged with spying and sabotage for Russia in Poland↩
Chip wars and the supply chainRussia-Ukraine warEnergy transition and climate

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