Two Ukrainians in Poland suspected of setting fire to a shopping mall in Warsaw
In 2024, a shopping center in Warsaw was set on fire (x.com/lukOlejnik)
Polish law enforcement has charged two Ukrainian citizens who may have set fire to the Marywilska shopping center in Warsaw in May last year, allegedly on orders from Russian intelligence services, according to the press service of the National Prosecutor's Office of Poland.
"During the investigation, evidence was obtained indicating that the fire was caused by arson committed by members of an organized criminal group acting in the interests of the intelligence services of the Russian Federation," the Prosecutor's Office stated.
Law enforcement officials clarified that the same criminal group was responsible for setting fire to an IKEA store in Vilnius, Lithuania, on May 9, 2024. Among the members of this group were two Ukrainian citizens — Danylo B. (born in 2006) and Oleksandr V. (born in 1975).
The Prosecutor's Office established that Oleksandr is currently on the territory of the Russian Federation and was giving instructions to Danylo. On May 12, Danylo arrived at the Marywilska shopping center, recorded video footage of the fire and the rescue operation, and then sent the video to Oleksandr so it could be published on Russian propaganda websites.
Danylo B. has been charged with participation in a criminal group and with committing an act of terrorism in the interests of Russian intelligence.
Charges have also been prepared against Oleksandr V., including participation in a terrorist organization and carrying out sabotage on behalf of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service. He is currently in Russia, is being sought by authorities, and a Polish court has issued a warrant for his arrest.
Arson at the Warsaw shopping center
Just yesterday, on May 11, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that the fire at the Marywilska shopping center in May of last year was the result of arson.
The head of the Polish government stated that Russian intelligence services were involved in the incident.
According to him, some of those responsible for the arson have already been detained.
