ABW Charges 18-Year-Old Ukrainian National With Sabotage for Russian Intelligence

On July 14, 2026, prosecutors filed an indictment against an 18-year-old Ukrainian citizen for conducting sabotage and subversive activities on behalf of Russian special services to inflame Polish-Ukrainian tensions.

The Indictment and Investigation

The investigation, conducted by the Internal Security Agency (ABW) delegation in Wrocław and supervised by the National Prosecutor’s Office, centers on 18-year-old Illia K. He is accused of working for Russian intelligence to incite nationalistic conflicts between Poland and Ukraine.

Criminal Acts and Sabotage

Evidence gathered by the ABW confirms 47 criminal acts committed between November 2024 and August 2025. These include the desecration of memorials, specifically those dedicated to Polish victims of the UPA, as well as preparations for sabotage operations using unmanned aerial vehicles.

Recruitment and Financing Mechanisms

The investigation identified a recruitment network operating via internet messaging apps. The criminal activities were financed through payments in cryptocurrencies processed via foreign exchanges registered in the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China.

Strategic Context

This case underscores ongoing efforts by Russian special services to undermine Polish interests. It serves as evidence of the counter-intelligence capabilities of the Internal Security Agency in neutralizing foreign-backed threats.