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Poland detains Ukrainian suspected of spying for Russia

16.02.2024 07:00
Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW) has detained a Ukrainian national working for Russian intelligence who planned to commit acts of sabotage, including setting fire to facilities in the southwestern Polish city of Wrocław, officials have announced.
An officer with Polands Internal Security Agency (ABW)
An officer with Poland's Internal Security Agency (ABW)Photo: abw.gov.pl

"The Internal Security Agency received information that a Ukrainian citizen, acting on behalf of the Russian secret services, was planning to set fire to facilities in Wrocław that are located close to elements of strategically important infrastructure," the ABW said in a statement on Thursday.

The man was arrested on January 31 and the security services said they found evidence of his plans, news agencies reported.

He was put in pre-trial detention for three months and could face up to 12 years in prison if convicted.

In July last year, Poland announced the detention of a Ukrainian citizen who was subsequently charged with “participation in an organised crime group” and “working for foreign intelligence against the interests of Poland,” according to Polish state news agency PAP.

In June last year, Poland detained Russian ice hockey player on charges of espionage, according to reports at the time.

In March last year, Poland announced it had dismantled a Russian spy network and detained nine people, who it said had been preparing acts of sabotage, conducting anti-Polish propaganda and monitoring rail routes to Ukraine.

A hub for Western military supplies to Ukraine, Poland has become a major target of Russian spies, the Reuters news agency reported.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.

Friday is day 723 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters