Polish Security Agency: Russia expands hybrid attacks targeting NATO states - EXCLUSIVE

Polish services identify intensification of actions of subversive, sabotage and hybrid character, directed against the Republic of Poland and member states of the European Union and NATO. They are initiated and coordinated by Russian intelligence and security services, the Internal Security Agency of Poland (ABW) said in an exclusive interview with CE Report.

The ABW has identified that hostile activity conducted on commission of Russian Federation more and more often takes form of terrorist undertakings.

Individuals completing tasks on commission of Russia’s intelligence and security services were engaged i.a. in distribution of courier parcels in Europe, containing camouflaged ignitable substances and time mechanism, which were catching fire during transportation," the statement reads.

The agency noted that ABW deals with cases regarding espionage, declaration of readiness to acting for foreign intelligence against the Republic of Poland, activities of subversive character, directed against the Republic of Poland, committing a crime of complicity in causing a direct danger of explosives’ explosion, etc.

"Very often among persons recruited by Russian/Belarusian intelligence and security services to committing crimes there are young people, foreigners," the agency emphasized.

According to the ABW, since February 2022 ABW has been conducting approximately 80 cases with regard to the Article 130 of the Penal Code.

"Taking into consideration the new way of acting by Russia’s services – not every case conducted by ABW is classified as espionage. These investigations concern also subversion, sabotage and disinformation. Proceedings of this category are also conducted with regard to the so called hybrid activities conducted by Russia, or terrorist acts. With regard to proceedings concerning espionage, we have 73 suspects in total, among whom 67 individuals facing charges under the Article 130 of the Polish Penal Code, 55 persons were detained," the statement continued.

The agency added that besides espionage, sabotage and subversion, the charges against these individuals include i.a.: complicity in an organised criminal group, illegal possession of weapons and ammunition, possession of narcotic drugs, causing a danger of an event threatening life or health of many people and property on a large scale, use of violence, property damage and other.

"For needs of conducted cases repeatedly a cooperation with partner services is being undertaken. Many aspects of this cooperation are protected, pursuant to provisions of the Act of 5 August 2010 on the Protection of Classified Information, as well as international agreements on security measures for the protection of classified information," the ABW concluded.

Photo: NATO

This interview was prepared by Julian Müller