Colombian National Arrested for Arson Attacks in Poland Linked to Russian Intelligence
A Colombian national allegedly set fire to sites in Poland on orders from Russian intelligence, according to Polish authorities, connecting the incidents to a wider sabotage campaign across Europe. The 27-year-old suspect is linked to two arson attacks on construction sites in 2024: one on May 23 in Warsaw and another a week later in Radom. Emergency services quickly extinguished both fires.
Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW) stated that the individual was acting under Russian directives. “It has been confirmed that Russian intelligence services, using the Telegram messenger, systematically and on a large scale recruited individuals of Latin American origin with military experience,” the agency noted in a statement.
The suspect is currently detained in Czechia, where he was arrested for igniting a bus depot and plotting a similar attack on a shopping mall. It was later revealed that he had also engaged in comparable activities in Poland.
According to Poland’s foreign ministry, the suspect “faces a life sentence in prison, while over 30 other individuals suspected of cooperating with Russian intelligence have been detained.”
ABW reported that these individuals were instructed to “conduct reconnaissance of designated locations, set fire to selected targets, and document the resulting damage.” The footage captured was allegedly used by Russian-language media for disinformation and propaganda purposes, the Polish agency added.
Authorities stated that the pattern of these attacks is consistent with tactics observed in other recent incidents throughout Central and Eastern Europe.
Reports indicate the urgency of recognizing and addressing Russia’s ongoing operational campaigns within Europe, which appear to target critical infrastructure and instigate chaos. The extent of this campaign and its implications continue to evolve, drawing significant attention from security agencies across the region, experts suggest.
Concerns over the potential for further sabotage operations are heightened as intelligence suggests that more individuals may be involved, and vigilance remains paramount in thwarting similar threats.
For further information, ongoing developments related to these security challenges will be closely monitored by authorities, indicating a commitment to addressing these threats in real time.
, reports 24brussels.
