NewsRussian intelligence linked to air shipment sabotage across Europe

Russian intelligence linked to air shipment sabotage across Europe

The Russian GRU intelligence agency is suspected of organizing a series of incidents involving incendiary devices in air shipments. An investigation conducted by European services reveals new details.

Suspicious packages were detected in DHL air logistics centers.
Suspicious packages were detected in DHL air logistics centers.
Images source: © Pexels
Barbara Kwiatkowska

What do you need to know?

        
  • The main suspicion concerns the Russian GRU intelligence agency, believed to have orchestrated the operation using so-called "disposable agents".
  • Incidents occurred in several European cities, including Leipzig, Warsaw, and Birmingham, where shipments with incendiary devices were detected.
  • The investigation involves international cooperation, with suspects linked to the GRU as well as other individuals from Eastern Europe.

What were the details of the operation?

According to findings by WDR, NDR, and "Süddeutsche Zeitung", the Russian GRU intelligence agency allegedly used a network of agents to carry out a sabotage operation. In July 2024, a fire broke out at the Leipzig airport. It quickly became clear that this was not an isolated incident.

Another ignition of packages intended for storage in aircraft holds occurred at the DHL logistics centre in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The packages contained electric massagers with a flammable magnesium-based substance.

The ignition of both devices using detonators thankfully occurred prematurely. This was likely a test of the transfer channel for this type of shipment, which was ultimately intended to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

German media linked this matter with a statement from the Polish National Prosecutor's Office at the end of October last year. Investigators reported the temporary arrest of four individuals who may be involved in the activities of an international sabotage and diversion group.

The group's activities involved committing acts of sabotage and diversion by sending packages with camouflaged explosives and dangerous contents via courier companies to European Union countries and the United Kingdom. These ignited or detonated during land and air transport.

A similar suspicious fire broke out in July near Warsaw. A courier company's truck caught fire, and the trailer was completely destroyed.

Who is suspected of involvement in the sabotage?

The investigation indicates the involvement of about ten people, including high-ranking GRU officers. Among the suspects is also Aleksandr B., who was detained in Bosnia and Herzegovina and extradited to Poland. “Coordination of sabotage acts” is one of the accusations against him.

What were the objectives of the operation?

The operation's objectives may have been to test shipment routes and create chaos in European air transport. Human life is of no interest to them, only sabotage in air shipments, explains Darius Jauniškis, head of Lithuanian intelligence, emphasizing that for the organizers of the operation, the destruction of an airplane was acceptable.

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