The Internal Security Agency of Poland (ABW) has arrested another, the sixteenth suspect involved in the Russian spy network. As reported by Wgospodarce.pl, the arrested individual is a citizen of Belarus.
"ABW has arrested another, the sixteenth suspect involved in the Russian spy network. Belarusian citizen Mikhail A. was involved in intelligence activities concerning military objects and ports. He also conducted propaganda activities in favor of Russia. He has been apprehended," wrote the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration, Mariusz Kamiński, on Twitter.
The 39-year-old Belarusian citizen was detained on August 1. He had been residing in Russia for several years, working in Moscow between 2008 and 2010 before moving to St. Petersburg. He had previously served a six-year prison sentence in Russia.
He arrived in Poland in 2021 and contacted the coordinator of the spy network. His tasks included gathering intelligence on critical infrastructure, including military areas and facilities, as well as maritime ports. He was also involved in conducting subversive activities aimed at destabilizing the political situation in Poland.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Poland's press service reminded that 15 people had been previously arrested in connection with this case, all of whom were arrested by court order.
The exposed spy network's activities involved intelligence gathering on military facilities and critical infrastructure in Poland, monitoring and documenting the transportation of military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The group was also tasked with preparing to derail trains carrying humanitarian aid to Ukraine, setting fires to property and vehicles, and carrying out physical assaults on individuals.
Additionally, the members of the group were engaged in propaganda activities to stir anti-Ukrainian sentiments in Poland and undermine Polish assistance to Ukraine.
Russian Spies in Poland
In early July, Poland exposed the largest Russian espionage network in the country's history, which was established in early 2023. Among other objectives, the Russian agents aimed to carry out sabotage on the railway, targeting trains transporting weapons and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
In March, there were also reports of the liquidation of a Russian spy network in Poland.
Poland has received many Belarusians after the fraudulent presidential elections.
In 2020-2021, after undemocratic elections that saw dictator Alexander Lukashenko claim victory, protests erupted in Belarus. However, Lukashenko's security forces managed to suppress the uprising.
During that time, Poland opened its borders to political refugees from Belarus, providing asylum to those who felt pressure due to their political beliefs.
