Suspected Russian spy behind drone attack in Leipzig

German authorities have identified with high probability a Belarusian citizen and a Russian national linked to Russia’s military intelligence as the primary suspects in the August drone attack on Leipzig-Halle airport, according to senior security officials and confidential documents. The attack occurred on August 4, when an explosive-laden drone was discovered near a Ukrainian cargo plane and safely defused. Investigators found remnants of two additional drones nearby.

The Russian suspect, believed to be affiliated with Russia’s GRU, entered Germany via Turkey and departed for Serbia, with his movements traced back to Russia. Despite being known to authorities, he was not placed under surveillance due to resource constraints and a lack of expectation of an imminent attack. The Belarusian suspect entered the Schengen Area via Latvia a week before the attack and is thought to be a "disposable agent" hired for sabotage.

The planned attack involved three drones, each armed with about 600 grams of Semtex explosive, totaling 1.8 kilograms. The Antonov aircraft targeted by the attack was filled with roughly 25,000 liters of jet fuel. Surveillance footage showed the drone positioned near the target aircraft, and an antenna structure believed to control the drones was found in a tree near the airport.

The Belarusian suspect has a criminal record in Finland and Lithuania, while the Russian suspect is suspected of involvement in a fire at a home improvement store in Łódź, Poland, in summer 2024. Polish authorities saw this as further evidence of Russian involvement. The explosives were transported to Germany via Bulgaria and Serbia, concealed in trucks, and hidden in underground compartments.

Police also discovered possible hideouts in Schkeuditz, Merseburg, and Schkeuditz, with the last two sites empty. The drone used in the attack was a homemade device containing Chinese motors available online in Russia.