Investigators have indicated that Russia’s military intelligence agency is suspected of orchestrating a series of parcel fires that occurred in the United Kingdom and across Europe. This accusation follows a coordinated investigation by authorities in Britain and several European nations.
The inquiry was initiated after multiple instances of self-igniting packages exploded. These incidents took place in Germany and Poland, as well as at a DHL distribution center within the UK, all occurring in 2024. Officials announced on Friday that 22 individuals have been identified in Lithuania and Poland. These suspects are believed to have been operating “on behalf of the military-intelligence service of the Russian Federation.” Proceedings have commenced in court for two of these cases.
Russia has not issued an immediate statement regarding these findings. However, the country has consistently refuted accusations from NATO member states that its intelligence services are involved in sabotage activities throughout Europe.
Details of the Parcel Incidents
According to Eurojust, the European Union’s judicial cooperation agency, four parcels were dispatched from Lithuania in July 2024. These shipments were bound for both the United Kingdom and Poland. Authorities disclosed that these packages contained explosive devices. The detonation mechanism involved electronic timers concealed within vibrating massage pillows.
One of these explosive parcels detonated at a DHL depot located near Birmingham. Another package, in transit through a sorting facility in Germany, caught fire at Leipzig airport. This incident occurred shortly before the parcel was scheduled for loading onto an aircraft. Investigators also discovered two test packages that had been sent to the United States and Canada. Additionally, two more packages intended for similar destinations were found in Amsterdam.
Prior statements from Polish prosecutors suggested that these parcel fires were conducted as preparatory tests. The objective of these “dry runs,” they posited, was to disrupt flights destined for the United States and Canada.
Suspect Recruitment and Background
Eurojust reported that the 22 identified suspects were recruited from Russia, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Ukraine. The agency further noted that these individuals were frequently found to be in “vulnerable socio-economic situations.”