Poland detains Colombian accused of setting fires for Russia
Photo: A Colombian man who set fire to warehouses on behalf of Russia was detained in Poland (Getty Images)
In Poland, law enforcement has detained a Colombian national who was recruited by Russian intelligence services to carry out arson attacks. He committed the crimes in Warsaw and Radom, according to Poland's Internal Security Agency (ABW).
Agency officials identified the suspect as a 27-year-old Colombian man acting on behalf of Russian intelligence. He was responsible for two arson incidents that occurred in May 2024 in Warsaw and Radom. In both cases, construction warehouses were deliberately set on fire.
"These actions were ordered, coordinated, and financed by an individual linked to Russian intelligence services. The suspect received detailed instructions on the target and execution of the attacks, including how to make a Molotov cocktail and how to use a specialized vehicle," the ABW stated.
The Colombian national has been charged with committing a terrorist act. If convicted, he faces a prison sentence ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.
During interrogation, the detained Colombian partially confessed and provided testimony.
Authorities also found that Russian operatives have been systematically and extensively recruiting individuals of Latin American origin with military experience via the messaging app Telegram. These recruits were tasked with conducting reconnaissance, committing arson, and documenting the resulting damage.
In addition, it was revealed that in June of this year, a Czech court sentenced another Colombian national to eight years in prison for setting fire to a bus depot in Prague and attempting to set fire to a shopping center. Russian intelligence services were also involved in that case. The man pleaded guilty.
Russian agents in Poland
Earlier today, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that 32 individuals suspected of collaborating with Russian intelligence services have been detained in Poland.
Among those arrested are Russian, Belarusian, and Ukrainian nationals, as well as a Colombian citizen and a Polish national. They were allegedly tasked with carrying out acts of sabotage and attacks on behalf of Russian intelligence. One of the suspects has already been sentenced, while the others remain in custody awaiting trial.
Tusk emphasized that anyone attempting to destabilize the situation, particularly near Poland’s borders, will face a ruthless response from the Polish state.
