Four individuals arrested after trains were sabotaged on 15‑16 November were released by prosecutors after evidence proved insufficient, leaving Polish security services stunned.
Arrests and Release After Railway Sabotage
Prosecutor general’s office announced on 21 November that four people had been detained following sabotage incidents on the railway network on 15‑16 November 2025. They were interrogated and then released because the collected evidence did not warrant charges under Article 130(7) of the criminal code. The decision was based on the absence of proof linking them to the sabotage acts.
Intelligence Services and the Premier’s Reaction
Polish intelligence agency ABW had prepared to charge the detainees, one of whom was alleged to have transported Ukrainians suspected of sabotaging the railway. After prosecutors deemed the evidence insufficient, ABW officials publicly expressed surprise and frustration, suggesting that security staff had been working without yielding results. Premier Donald Tusk later revealed in the Sejm that the suspects traveled from Belarus to Poland and exited via the border crossing at Terespol; he said the statements had not been consulted with his office.
Operation “Horizon” Following Sabotage Incidents
After the sabotage events, police and the army jointly launched Operation “Horizon” to secure critical infrastructure on the rail lines. A third‑level alert was imposed on rail networks until the end of February 2026. Two separate incidents were highlighted: a rail section near Mika station detonated, and metal collars were installed on tracks near Puławy. The premier identified two Ukrainian nationals—acting on behalf of Russians—as responsible for the attacks. They had left Poland via Terespol crossing.
