Poland detains 6 suspects working for Russian intelligence, Polish official says

Poland's Internal Security Agency detained six individuals on November 5, suspected of working for Russian intelligence. Tomasz Siemoniak, the minister-coordinator of special services, revealed that the suspects illegally supplied Russia with military-grade materials for ammunition and weapons systems. The detainees consist of five Polish nationals aged between 25 and 52, along with a 37-year-old Russian woman.

Four of the six suspects have been placed in pretrial detention on espionage charges, while the remaining two are under noncustodial preventive measures. This incident is part of a larger investigation into suspected espionage and sabotage in Poland, with nearly 100 people designated as suspects since the beginning of 2024.

During the operation, which took place between October 21 and November 2, officers searched 21 locations across Warmia-Masuria, Pomerania, and Greater Poland provinces. Following intelligence warnings of possible sabotage, Polish authorities deployed counterterrorism units near Russia's Kaliningrad exclave on November 2. Polish military and allied intelligence services had previously warned of potential sabotage near the Russian border, including incursions by armed groups.

National Police Chief Marek Boron stated that the heightened security presence aimed to protect residents and infrastructure due to concerns about sabotage and foreign intelligence activities. European governments are preparing for potential Russian hybrid attacks, with officials warning of the increased use of drones, missiles, sabotage, and cyberattacks to pressure NATO countries in their support for Ukraine.