Russian intelligence providers organised the spy community to have interaction in sabotage and propaganda, claims Warsaw.
Poland has charged a gaggle of 16 foreigners with espionage after it shut down a Russian spy ring earlier this 12 months.
The suspects, who’re accused of enterprise sabotage and propaganda actions underneath the course of Russian intelligence, have confessed to the costs, Warsaw mentioned on Wednesday. The spy ring was dismantled earlier this 12 months.
“Charges have been filed against 16 foreigners accused of conducting espionage activities on behalf of Russian intelligence services on Polish territory and participating in an organised criminal group,” the workplace of intelligence service coordinator Mariusz Kaminski mentioned in a press release.
“Their assigned tasks included identifying military facilities and critical infrastructure, monitoring and documenting trains transporting military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and preparing for train derailments,” it added.
The sabotage and propaganda acts additionally aimed to show Polish sentiment in opposition to neighbouring Ukraine, the assertion mentioned.
16 rosyjskich szpiegów staje przed sądem. Lubelscy prokuratorzy skierowali właśnie akty oskarżenia przeciwko członkom groźnej siatki szpiegowskiej – oskarżeni na zlecenie rosyjskiego wywiadu prowadzili działania wywiadowcze wokół portów morskich i jednostek militarnych,…
— Zbigniew Ziobro | SP (@ZiobroPL) November 22, 2023
“Lublin prosecutors have just filed indictments against members of a dangerous spy network – the defendants, commissioned by Russian intelligence, conducted intelligence activities around seaports and military units, prepared acts of sabotage, and also undertook propaganda activities against Poland,” Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro posted on X. “They face 10 years in prison each.”
NATO member Poland is a serious hub for Western weapons going to Ukraine in assist of its struggle in opposition to Russia’s invasion.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Poland’s conservative authorities has centered on strengthening the armed forces and has spent greater than $16bn on tanks, missile interceptor techniques and fighter jets, many purchased from the US and South Korea.