Russian intelligence linked to aviation sabotage plot in Europe
The Russian GRU intelligence agency is suspected of orchestrating a series of incidents involving incendiary devices in air shipments. An investigation conducted by European services reveals new details.
What do you need to know?
- The main suspicion concerns the Russian GRU intelligence agency, which is believed to have organised 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, and among the suspects are individuals associated with the GRU as well as others 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 conduct a sabotage operation. In July 2024, a fire broke out at the airport in Leipzig. It quickly became clear that this was not an isolated incident.
The ignition of packages intended for aircraft holds also occurred at the DHL logistics centre in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The packages contained electric massagers that included a flammable magnesium-based substance.
The ignition of both devices using detonators, fortunately, occurred prematurely. It was likely a test of the transfer channel for this type of shipment, which was ultimately intended to be sent across 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 activity involved committing acts of sabotage and diversion related to sending packages with camouflaged explosives and dangerous contents via courier companies to European Union countries and the United Kingdom. They ignited or detonated during land and air transport.
A similar suspicious fire broke out in July near Warsaw. A courier company's lorry caught fire, and the trailer was completely burned.
Who is suspected of involvement in the sabotage?
The investigation indicates that about ten people, including high-ranking GRU officers, are involved. 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 – said Darius Jauniškis, head of Lithuanian intelligence, emphasising that for the organisers of the operation, the destruction of an aeroplane was acceptable.
