Poland charges Russian couple for espionage, with husband also accused of parcel bomb plot

WARSAW

Polish prosecutors on Monday charged two Russian citizens with spying for Russian intelligence and, in one of the cases, plotting to send an explosive device via courier.

One suspect, identified under Polish privacy laws as Igor R., allegedly took part in a plan to dispatch a parcel bomb. A Ukrainian citizen was charged earlier this year in the same plot. ​​​​​​​

The National Public Prosecutor's Office said in a statement that the package “contained explosive devices and materials in the form of nitroglycerine, as well as hidden military-grade electric detonators and initiating devices… The entire package constituted a so-called shaped charge bomb.”

According to Polish procedure, suspects can be held pending trial while the indictment is finalized and the court sets dates. Authorities did not immediately say when the alleged offenses occurred or whether more arrests were expected.

Igor R. and his wife, Irina R., were also charged with providing Russian intelligence with information on Russian opposition activists in Poland, as well as individuals and organizations assisting them, according to the statement.

Moscow has denied allegations that it directs sabotage or terror plots within the EU.

The case comes amid a series of explosions at courier depots in the UK, Germany, and on the outskirts of Warsaw in July 2024, which Western officials attribute to Russia.

Several governments have announced the arrests of suspected sabotage rings targeting logistics facilities, rail assets, energy infrastructure, and defense-industry suppliers, echoing NATO and EU warnings that Moscow is expanding its "hybrid" operations.

Governments in the region have boosted protection for prominent exiles and tightened oversight of charities and media organizations that support them, warning against stigmatizing legitimate diaspora activity.

Poland has been one of Ukraine's most visible supporters since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, and it controls key supply routes for military and humanitarian aid.