Two Ukrainians arrested in Poland on suspicion of espionage and sabotage for Russia
Poland has arrested two Ukrainian citizens on suspicion of espionage. They are alleged to have conducted surveillance of critical infrastructure and set fire to vehicles.
Espionage suspicion: Poland arrests two Ukrainians acting on behalf of Russian intelligence services
Poland has arrested two Ukrainian citizens on suspicion of espionage and sabotage on behalf of Russian intelligence services, according to reporting by Kleine Zeitung. The Internal Security Agency (ABW) announced on Tuesday that the men are accused of conducting surveillance on critical infrastructure and military facilities throughout the country.
Furthermore, the suspects are alleged to have set fire to vehicles – after replacing their licence plates with ones resembling those of the Ukrainian military. "The investigation has revealed that the acts of sabotage were carried out on the orders of Russian intelligence services and were intended to stir up anti-Ukrainian sentiment," the public prosecutor's office stated. In payment, the men received cryptocurrencies, among other things.
The public prosecutor's office brought charges of espionage for a foreign intelligence service as well as sabotage. If convicted, the two men face sentences of ten years to life imprisonment. The Russian embassy in Warsaw initially made no comment on the case.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Poland has accused Russia and its ally Belarus of conducting a hybrid campaign of sabotage, cyber attacks and disinformation. Russia has repeatedly denied these allegations. Just last week, Polish authorities arrested four additional persons on suspicion of espionage for Russian intelligence services and illegal delivery of military goods to Russia.
Source: Kleine Zeitung