Poland detains Ukrainians and Belarusians suspected of espionage

Poland has detained two Ukrainians and three Belarusians who prosecutors say were acting on the instructions of foreign intelligence services.

Warsaw has repeatedly warned of Russian attempts to destabilise countries supporting Ukraine and has spoken of arson attacks or cyber attacks as part of the so-called hybrid war. Moscow denies these accusations.

The suspects in the latest case are Ukrainians Oleksandr S. and a minor, Sofia Ch. and Belarusians Viktoria M., Anton M. and Uladzimir U. They were detained by police and special services on 25 and 26 November.

Investigators say they took and sent pictures of critical infrastructure and other sites important for national security in 2024 and early 2025. They were to receive payments in cryptocurrencies for their activities.

The three suspects were taken into custody for three months, a minor was placed in a detention centre and Uladzimir U. was banned from leaving Poland as he was not detained due to his health condition.

According to prosecutors, the investigation concerns foreign espionage activities on the territory of Poland in the cities of Rzeszów, Warsaw, Łódź and other locations. In addition to monitoring infrastructure, the suspects were also supposed to produce posters and graffiti.

(reuters, lud)