Anti-Personnel Mines Found Near Shopping Mall in Jelenia Góra, 39-Year-Old Charged

Following the discovery of Soviet anti-personnel mines in a trash can and bushes near a shopping mall in Jelenia Góra on Wednesday evening, police have arrested a 39-year-old recidivist.

Evacuation and Discovery of Mines

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening in the center of Jelenia Góra after police received a report about an object resembling an unexploded ordnance from World War II found in a trash can near a shopping gallery. Approximately 170 people were evacuated from the shopping center and nearby homes.

Police pyrotechnicians secured two such unexploded ordnances—one in the trash can and another in nearby bushes. They were Soviet OZM-72 anti-personnel mines, most likely dating back to World War II. This type of mine activates when a tripwire is disturbed, launches into the air, explodes, and inflicts shrapnel damage up to 50 meters, with fatal injuries possible up to 25 meters. The weight of the OZM-72 is 5 kg. The dangerous items were secured and subsequently neutralized by police sappers.

Arrest and Charges Against the Suspect

On Monday, Police Inspector Przemysław Ratajczyk from the Voivodeship Police Headquarters reported the arrest of a man suspected of leaving the unexploded ordnances. The officer stated that the suspect was charged with bringing about an immediate danger of explosion of explosive materials by possessing and leaving two anti-personnel mines capable of violently exploding.

The 39-year-old is suspected of endangering the lives and health of many people, an offense punishable by up to 8 years of imprisonment. He has already been brought before the District Court in Jelenia Góra, which, after reviewing the gathered evidence, granted the prosecutor’s motion and remanded the suspect in custody for three months.

Inspector Ratajczyk added that the man is well known to police for previous conflicts with the law, having served a prison sentence for various crimes over many years and left prison approximately a year ago. The day after the incident, another man, aged 34, was arrested in connection with the case, but was released on Friday and treated as a witness.

Police Warnings on Unexploded Ordnance

Police remind the public that unexploded ordnance and duds still pose a lethal threat despite many years passing since the end of military operations. Every object resembling ammunition, a grenade, a mine, or a shell can be dangerous, and specific procedures must be followed if such an item is found.

Every irresponsible attempt to move or intentionally leave unexploded ordnances in public places can lead to tragedy and carries criminal liability.