A fire at a warehouse on Marywilska Street 44, which occurred in May 2023, was reportedly arson by a Russian intelligence-linked criminal group.
Fire at Marywilska 44 Warehouse
The fire at the warehouse on Marywilska Street 44 took place on the night of May 12, 2023. The commercial center housed approximately 1,400 shops and service points. Investigators, including 55 prosecutors and 100 police officers, determined the fire was arson by an organized criminal group acting on behalf of Russian intelligence. Over three months later, a nearby shopping center was established, where some tenants from the warehouse relocated.
Charges Against Two Individuals
In May 2024, the District Prosecutor’s Office accused 19-year-old Ukrainian Daniil B. of receiving instructions from another Ukrainian, Oleksandr V., to film the fire for Russian online platforms. Daniil B. is in Lithuanian custody for another arson case, while Oleksandr V. remains at large, likely in Russia, and is wanted by authorities.
Prosecutors on Arson Suspects: No Evidence
No new charges have been filed regarding the M44 warehouse arson, stated Przemysław Nowak, spokesperson for the National Prosecutor’s Office. “We lack evidence to charge any specific individual or group with arson,” he added. Earlier reports suggested the group involved may have included at least eight people, but prosecutors declined to comment on these findings. Nowak emphasized that the investigation continues to identify the direct perpetrators.
