Russian Spies Reportedly Planted Explosive Packages on Planes Destined for UK and Germany

Counter-terrorism police are investigating a possible link between Russian spies and a fire at a DHL warehouse in Birmingham.

The incident occurred on July 22 when a parcel caught fire while being stored after air transport.

Reports indicate that the package’s volatility could have caused severe damage to an aircraft had it ignited mid-flight. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished by staff and local firefighters.

The investigation has gained attention following a similar incident at a DHL warehouse in Leipzig, Germany. There, a suspicious package began burning just before it was to be loaded onto a cargo plane, raising concerns about its potential impact on aviation safety.

German intelligence officials revealed that if the Leipzig flight had not been delayed, the package could have ignited mid-air, potentially leading to a crash. This alarming possibility has intensified scrutiny on both incidents.

The two fires coincide with warnings from MI5 chief Ken McCallum regarding Russian intelligence operations aimed at causing chaos in the UK and Europe. He highlighted acts of arson and sabotage as part of these operations.

In March, a warehouse in east London associated with a Ukrainian company was set ablaze, leading to the arrest of seven men for the suspected arson. This incident further indicates a pattern of aggressive actions potentially linked to Russian operatives.

Additionally, an arson attack on a shopping center in Warsaw in May was attributed to Russian saboteurs by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. These incidents reflect growing concerns over regional security.

More critically, U.S. intelligence foiled an assassination plot against Armin Papperger, the CEO of Rheinmetall, a German arms manufacturer, in July, indicating escalating threats linked to Kremlin activities.

In response to the fires, DHL announced it tightened security protocols after the package that ignited in Leipzig was traced back to Lithuania. This decision underscores the seriousness of the ongoing investigation.

Given the similarities between the incidents in Birmingham and Leipzig, UK counter-terrorism officials are collaborating with their German counterparts. They are also sharing information with investigative agencies across Europe.

A Metropolitan police counter-terrorism spokesperson confirmed the investigation, stating, “We can confirm that officers from counter-terrorism policing are investigating an incident at a commercial premises in Midpoint Way, Minworth.”