On December 11, Poland’s Internal Security Agency detained Russian archaeologist Aleksandr B. in a Warsaw hotel, while prosecutors presented charges and damage estimates.
New Information from Prosecutors
On Thursday, December 11, media reported that Internal Security Agency officers detained Russian scientist Aleksandr B. in a Warsaw hotel. B. is a staff member of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and had been traveling Europe. Ukraine has issued arrest warrants, accusing him of illegally conducting research in Crimea, occupied by Russia, and of destroying Ukrainian cultural heritage.
Legal Status and Court Proceedings
Press spokesman Piotr Skiba of the Warsaw district prosecutor’s office informed news agencies that a court approved a 40‑day temporary arrest for Aleksandr B. He stated that the man was interrogated at the district prosecutor’s office on December 4 and refused to give explanations. The prosecutor also noted that the Ukrainian side had not yet filed an extradition request. The alleged conduct is equivalent under Polish criminal law to the offense of Article 125(1), punishable by one to ten years’ imprisonment.
Damage Reported
According to prosecutor statements, the damage caused by B.’s activities has been assessed at over 17 million PLN.
Ukrainian Charges and Evidence
Ukraine’s extradition request describes B. as the former head of the Ancient Archaeology Section of the Northern Black Sea region of the Hermitage. From 20 February 2014 to 13 November 2025, he allegedly searched for movable cultural heritage objects at the archaeological complex “Ancient City Myrmekjon” in Kerch, Crimea, without proper authorization, thereby conducting unlawful excavations. The Ukrainian indictment claims these actions resulted in damage valued at 201 million hryvnia, equivalent to over 17 million PLN.
Russian Reaction
Andriy Ordasz, acting chargé d’affaires of the Russian Federation in Poland, told a Russian‑24 broadcast that the detained archaeologist understood the absurdity of the charges and has “nothing to hide.” Ordasz said the man did not expect any action against him based on fabricated accusations. He had lectured in Prague and Amsterdam prior to arriving in Warsaw, where he was not detained; upon arrival in Poland, a day later, he was arrested.
