By M10News Europe Desk | October 21, 2025
Polish authorities have arrested eight people suspected of espionage and sabotage amid growing fears of Russian-linked spy networks operating across Europe.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed the arrests in a short statement on social media on Tuesday, saying the investigation is “developing” and that “further operational activities are ongoing.”
He provided no additional details but noted that the national security services were working with international partners.
Espionage and Sabotage Allegations
According to Tomasz Siemoniak, Poland’s coordinator of special services, those detained are accused of “engaging in espionage, conducting reconnaissance of military and critical infrastructure, preparing sabotage materials, and directly carrying out attacks.”
The Polish National Prosecutor’s Office later said the group was plotting to send explosive-laden packages designed to “intimidate the population and destabilise European Union countries supporting Ukraine.”
Authorities say three of those arrested are Ukrainian nationals, accused of forming a “network” to transport explosives through Poland and Romania to Ukraine.
Cross-Border Arrests and Romanian Link
Jacek Dobrzynski, spokesman for Poland’s Special Services, told reporters that a 21-year-old Ukrainian suspect was detained near Warsaw, while his two alleged accomplices were apprehended by Romania’s secret service in Bucharest.
Romania’s intelligence agency, the SRI, confirmed the operation, saying it had “prevented new sabotage acts by two Ukrainian citizens under the direct coordination of representatives of the Russian secret services.”
The Romanian organised crime unit, DIICOT, said the suspects left explosive packages at an international delivery company, allegedly as part of a broader sabotage network targeting EU states.
Hybrid War Concerns
Polish officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of waging a “hybrid war” involving disinformation, espionage, and infrastructure attacks to destabilise NATO and EU nations supporting Kyiv.
Over the past three years, Poland has detained 55 individuals for alleged espionage or sabotage activities linked to Russia. “All have been charged under Article 130 of the penal code, which pertains to espionage and sabotage,” Dobrzynski said.
Several European nations, including Lithuania, Latvia, the UK, and Germany, have also disrupted Russian-linked networks accused of arson, cyberattacks, and spying since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Moscow has repeatedly denied involvement, dismissing the accusations as “Russophobia.”
Rising Drone Threats Across Europe
The latest arrests come as European security agencies confront a surge in unidentified drone incursions. Belgium, Denmark, and Germany have all reported drone sightings that led to temporary airport closures.
“We are at the beginning of a hybrid war against Europe,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned, adding, “We see the pattern and it does not look good.”
In response to recent drone incidents, Prime Minister Tusk pledged to strengthen Poland’s air defences after NATO forces intercepted several drones that entered Polish airspace last month.
The European Union is considering new measures to bolster collective airspace security, including plans to construct a “drone wall” along its eastern borders to counter aerial incursions from hostile actors.
M10News Europe Desk | Contact: europe@m10news.com
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