Ukrainian man suspected of espionage detained at Warsaw Chopin Airport after security services delayed arrest for five hours.
Delayed Decision to Detain
According to Onet’s findings, the decision for formal detention was made only after about five hours from when officials determined that leaving the man unsupposed posed a risk. Earlier, police and border guards had signaled the need for intervention but were told there were no grounds as the suspect had nothing clearly illegal with him.
The case went to the anti-terrorist center of the Internal Security Agency. Officials hoped for a quick reaction as ABW headquarters is about 20 minutes from the airport, but that day there was reportedly no one there except a telephone operator.
Suspect’s Background and Activities
The Ukrainian citizen arrived in Poland on December 9, landing at Modlin airport. He regularly appeared at Chopin Airport, choosing the same cafe in the public zone where he would spend many hours, sometimes until late at night.
The turning point came around midnight on December 25-26 when patrol officers noticed inconsistencies in his explanations about why he hadn’t flown to Canada as planned. He refused to show identification or a valid ticket.
Suspicious Items and Equipment
During luggage search, officials found five kilograms of oatmeal, onions, and a small electric kettle—items the man couldn’t explain. The luggage also contained electronics including noise-canceling headphones typically used during shooting.
Most concerning was a metal device the size of a pocket book with multiple antennas, identified as a multi-band jammer that could seriously affect airport operations. The man had traveled extensively to Middle Eastern countries and Arab nations.
Investigation and Response
The case is being handled by the Ochota District Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities are determining his exact stay period and analyzing surveillance footage, while airport sources cite insufficient training in electronic warfare and jamming device threats.
The District Court has applied a one-month arrest to Illia S., with unofficial consideration of extension. Investigators note gaps in the services’ response system to the security threats.