Poland suspects foreign intelligence in arson at drone factory supplying Ukraine
Photo: Polish police (Getty Images)
Poland is investigating a fire at the WB Electronics defense company facility, which manufactures drones for the Polish and Ukrainian armies. The incident occurred overnight on August 31 in the city of Skarżysko-Kamienna. Initially, law enforcement noticed possible signs of unauthorized entry onto the facility grounds, according to a statement from Poland's National Prosecutor's Office.
According to Poland's National Prosecutor's Office, investigators are considering the possibility of deliberate arson. The investigation is being led by a prosecutor from the Lesser Poland Department of the Organized Crime and Corruption Department of the National Prosecutor's Office.
Investigation suspects foreign intelligence
According to investigators, the fire may have started after the placement of an incendiary device containing flammable materials. Polish prosecutors also suspect that representatives of foreign intelligence services may have been involved in the arson.
Earlier, law enforcement drew attention to surveillance camera footage. The recordings captured an unknown person in a balaclava who penetrated the facility grounds by climbing over a fence. Near the factory, investigators also found an abandoned backpack and a long-sleeved sweatshirt.
Fire destroyed warehouse facilities
According to law enforcement, the fire destroyed warehouse facilities. Preliminary damage estimates amount to at least 15 million zloty—approximately 17.9 million hryvnia.
At the initial stage, it was reported that the fire was relatively small, and extinguishing it and clearing the consequences took about two hours. Police officers and a K-9 unit worked at the scene, and Polish special services were involved in investigating the circumstances.
Currently, Polish law enforcement is establishing all circumstances of the fire and checking the arson hypothesis.
Context of the Polish prosecutor's statement
Overnight on August 31, a fire was recorded at the WB Electronics plant in the Polish city of Skarżysko-Kamienna. The plant was not operating at the time of the fire, so no one was injured.
This is far from the first attempt at sabotage or arson at EU facilities producing weapons for Ukraine. Recall that on August 13, an explosion and fire occurred at an ammunition plant near Rome, belonging to KNDS Ammo Italy, which cooperates with Ukraine.
