Poland has formally accused a Belarusian national of setting fire to a large hardware store in Warsaw last April, labeling the act as sabotage conducted on behalf of Russian intelligence, according to prosecutors on Wednesday.
Authorities in Poland assert that the country’s position as a logistical center for supplies to Ukraine has rendered it a prime target for espionage, with operatives seeking to collect intelligence on support for Kyiv’s military efforts and to execute acts of sabotage. Russia has consistently denied any involvement in such activities.
Prosecutors indicated that the fire at the hardware store in the capital, which occurred on April 14, 2024, was intentionally set, and the individual responsible is a Belarusian citizen identified as Stepan K. in accordance with Polish privacy regulations.
“Furthermore, it has been determined that the suspect, Stepan K., carried out the arson on behalf of foreign intelligence, specifically the intelligence services of the Russian Federation, and under the direction of Russian special operations,” the prosecutors stated.
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Stepan K. faces charges of sabotage for foreign intelligence and a terrorist offense, which could result in a prison sentence ranging from 10 years to life. He had previously been temporarily detained in connection with another case involving espionage and participation in an organized criminal group.
