Polish and Belarusian Nationals Arrested for Espionage in Warsaw

Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW) has detained a 19-year-old Belarusian and a 44-year-old Pole suspected of gathering intelligence on Belarusian opposition groups in Warsaw on behalf of the Minsk regime.

Suspected Espionage Against Belarusian Minority

The ABW arrested two individuals in Warsaw on charges of performing paid intelligence tasks for Belarusian services. The suspects allegedly documented events organized by the Belarusian minority in Poland, transferring photos and videos to be used for propaganda and the identification of opposition figures.

While the actions appeared to be passive participation in public gatherings, intelligence services classified them as espionage. According to Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesperson for the minister-coordinator of special services, the suspects were remunerated for these activities, which posed a real risk of intimidation for activists.

Targeting Opposition Networks

The surveillance was specifically focused on Warsaw-based Belarusian emigre circles. By identifying participants at independent gatherings, the intelligence gathering provided material that the Lukashenko regime could use to exert pressure on political refugees and build anti-opposition political narratives.

Legal Measures and Ongoing Investigation

The District Court in Lublin has ordered a three-month arrest for the 19-year-old Belarusian national. The 44-year-old Polish citizen has been placed under police supervision and is prohibited from leaving the country while the Lublin branch of the National Prosecutor’s Office continues the investigation.

This operation is part of a broader crackdown on foreign espionage. In November, five other individuals—three Belarusians and two Ukrainians—were arrested as part of the same investigation. Authorities suggest that further detentions are likely as the agency continues to uncover networks involved in foreign-inspired activities.