German security agencies say “unconventional incendiary devices” are being sent in parcels to recipients in several European countries, DPA news agency reports. They say the packages are catching fire en route.

German security authorities on Friday warned of “unconventional incendiary devices” being sent in parcels via freight service providers.

The DPA news agency cited an alert from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and the BfV domestic intelligence agency. 

The alert, which was sent to logistics and aviation companies, described several incidents in which parcels sent by private individuals in several European countries caught fire while in transit.

The agencies said they had been aware of the issue for several weeks.

While Russia is not mentioned in the warning, security sources told DPA that authorities have not ruled out a possible connection with increasing cases of Russian sabotage in Germany.

Security sources told DPA the warning is linked to an incident at the DHL
logistics center in the eastern German city of Leipzig, which acts as
the company’s global hub. 

A parcel sent from the Baltic States containing an incendiary device is said to have caught fire there in July.

The parcel is said to have set fire to an entire freight container, which also contained other parcels, but the fire was extinguished quickly. 

Responding to a request, courier firm DHL told DPA that it was treating the alert seriously:

“In response to the ongoing investigations by authorities in several countries, DHL Express has taken measures in all European countries to protect its network, its employees and facilities as well as its customers’ shipments. We are aware of two recent incidents involving shipments in our network.”

The company said it is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities.