Polish Internal Security Agency detains five persons suspected of foreign intelligence work in a November 28 crackdown, per a statement released on that day.
Five Arrests Announced by ABW
ABW announced that it had detained five individuals on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. The announcement was made by spokesperson Jacek Dobrzyński on the X platform on November 28.
Suspects’ Nationalities and Alleged Activities
The suspects include two Ukrainians, Oleksandra S. and minor Sofia Ch., and three Belarusian citizens, Viktoryia M., Anton M., and Uladzimir U. They are alleged to have contacted foreign intelligence agents via Telegram and to have taken photographs of critical infrastructure and key security sites, then transmitted the images for payment in cryptocurrency.
Legal Measures and Potential Sentences
The court, at the prosecutor’s request, imposed a three‑month temporary detention on Viktoryia M., Oleksandra S., and Anton M. A minor, Sofia Ch., was placed in a juvenile shelter for the same period. Due to poor health, Uladzimir U faced a non‑isolating preventive measure limiting his exit from the country. All suspects face potential prison terms ranging from five to thirty years.
Investigation Scope and Target Sites
The investigation covers the period from March 2024 to February 2025 and includes locations such as Rzeszów, Warsaw, and Łódź. It focuses on individuals recruited through online messengers who collected and shared photos of critical infrastructure and engaged in vandalism through posters and graffiti.
ABW Statement on National Security Success
ABW highlighted the “continuous success of Polish special services in safeguarding national security” and thanked the justice system for the swift action taken against the alleged foreign‑intelligence operatives.