Polish prosecutors have charged five individuals, including a Belarusian and Ukrainian nationals, with arson at multiple commercial facilities allegedly commissioned by Russian intelligence.
Charges Filed in Connection with Multiple Arson Attacks
The Mazowiecki branch of the National Prosecutor’s Office has submitted indictments to court regarding three large-scale arson incidents. The charges involve five individuals, including Daniil B., accused of participating in the fire at a warehouse on Marywilska Street 44 in Warsaw.
This is the second indictment in a case involving an internationally-organized criminal group accused of setting fires at large retail stores in Poland and other countries, allegedly at the behest of the Russian Federation.
Accused Individuals and Alleged Roles
The accused include Daniil B., Oleksandr H., Vitalii K., as well as previously convicted individuals Serhii R., Pavlo T., and Vladyslav Y. Serhii Chalyi and Oleksandr Varyvoda remain wanted. Stepan K. is a citizen of Belarus, while the remaining defendants are Ukrainian citizens.
Investigation Findings: Marywilska 44 Fire
Prosecutor Przemysław Nowak stated the current indictment concerns three acts of sabotage: the April 2014 arson of an OBI store in Warsaw, the May 2024 arson of an IKEA store in Vilnius, and the arson and destruction of the Marywilska 44 shopping center in Warsaw in May 2024, as well as preparations to arson an IKEA store in Riga in May 2024.
Stepan K., a Belarusian national, is accused in the Radzymińska store arson. Daniil B., Oleksandr H., and an accomplice are accused in the Vilnius IKEA arson. Daniil B. is accused in the Marywilska 44 arson, having recorded the fire and sent the footage to his alleged handlers, Oleksandr V., and ultimately to Russian intelligence.
Prosecutors have not yet identified the direct perpetrator or the direct client behind the Marywilska 44 arson.
Further Charges and Ongoing Investigations
Daniil B. also faces charges related to preparing another act of sabotage – the arson of an IKEA store in Riga. He accepted the commission and began preparations but was arrested before the arson could occur. He remains in custody in Lithuania.
The prosecution also has two suspects in the main case, not covered by this indictment: Serhii Chalyi and Oleksandr Varyvoda. Evidence suggests they directed the criminal group and coordinated the sabotage operations.
Charges have not been filed against Chalyi and Varyvoda as they are currently evading law enforcement and are subject to European Arrest Warrants and wanted notices.
Additional Arson Cases and Previous Convictions
Oleksandr H. is accused of participating in the organized criminal group targeting large retail facilities and of participating in the IKEA Vilnius arson by constructing and using an incendiary device, as well as preparing for further arson attacks.
Stepan K. recorded his actions at the OBI store on Radzymińska Street with his mobile phone to document the act of sabotage, with some of the material subsequently published on Russian propaganda portals, allegedly acting on behalf of Russian intelligence.
Vitalii K. is accused of aiding in the IKEA Vilnius arson and assisting the perpetrator in organizing an escape and concealing vehicles. He is also accused of aggravated assault, along with Pavlo T., in Wólka Kosowska.
In October 2025, the Warsaw-Praga District Court convicted three Ukrainian citizens (Serhii R., Pavlo T., and Vladyslav Y.) for participating in a sabotage and terrorist-oriented criminal group.
The three were convicted of participating, at various times between 2023-2024, in a group operating in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, and Russia, aiming to commit sabotage and terrorist crimes through arson of large facilities in EU countries. Serhii R. and Pavlo T. were also convicted of obstructing the investigation into the IKEA Vilnius and Marywilska 44 arsons by assisting Serhii Chalyi in evading criminal responsibility, including helping him flee Poland.