Polish prosecutors have strengthened the indictment of 28‑year‑old Michail Mirgorodskyi, a Russian national accused of steering a sabotage cell aiming to derail a train in 2023, and Interpol has issued a red notice for his arrest.
Suspect profile and alleged sabotage plot
Michail Mirgorodskyi, 28, was born in the Kirovograd region of Ukraine but has lived in Russia for almost two decades, holding Russian citizenship. He and his family reportedly resided near a Federal Security Service “Alpha” special‑forces base. According to independent Russian sources, the suspect carries a debt exceeding 600,000 rubles (about 30,000 Polish złoty).
He is alleged to have plotted a sabotage operation targeting a Polish railway line in 2023, with the objective of causing a train derailment.
Prosecutorial charges and alleged operations
Polish prosecutors have cited five charges against Mirgorodskyi for organising Russian intelligence activity in Poland and directing a criminal group engaged in espionage, sabotage, and propaganda. The group was said to plan violent acts against Ukrainian and Belarusian citizens, including beatings and property destruction with Molotov cocktails.
Authorities also accuse him of amassing and offering funds to finance ground transport disasters and seek to derail a train in Poland.
Interpol red notice and extradition effort
Because Mirgorodskyi is not present in Poland, he has not been formally charged. In August, prosecutors requested an arrest warrant, which was granted, prompting the issuance of a red notice by Interpol.
The notice signals international cooperation aimed at detaining the suspect outside Polish jurisdiction.
Wider investigation on Russian espionage
In June and July 2023, ABW officers arrested 16 individuals from Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia linked to Russian intelligence. Several received up to six years in prison.
The ongoing investigation now focuses on eight suspects, including Mirgorodskyi, bringing together three Belarusian nationals, two Russians (including Mirgorodskyi), one Ukrainian, one Polish, and one Lithuanian. Most of them remain uncharged because they are not in Poland.
Current status and lack of Polish charges
Mirgorodskyi remains abroad, and no Polish charges have been filed against him. The Polish authorities continue to monitor his movements and await the possibility of extradition after Interpol’s red notice is acted upon.
