Investigations into parcel explosions progress – Lithuania suggests connection to Russians

According to Lithuanian authorities, a series of explosions in packages delivered last year by DHL and DPD was the work of an organized network led by individuals with ties to Russian military intelligence.

Investigations revealed that this was a test plan to cause explosions on cargo flights to the United States. The explosive devices were hidden in vibrating massage cushions and equipped with time fuses.

The operation was coordinated by Ukrainian citizen Daniil Gromov (with Russian papers in the name of Jaroslav Michailow) and Lithuanian-Russian citizen Tomas Dovgan Stabacinskas, who are also believed to be responsible for the fire at the IKEA store in Vilnius.

To date, the authorities have charged a total of 15 people from Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Ukraine and seized six kilograms of explosives. An international arrest warrant has also been issued for three suspects – the two mentioned above and Russian citizen Andrej Baburov.

Lithuania stated that the perpetrators had acted in strict conspiracy and used Telegram and cryptocurrencies for recruitment and financing. Russia has not responded to the allegations.

(reuters, max)