Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe.
Parcel Fires Across Europe Part of Suspected Russian Plot to Sabotage Cargo Routes
Mystery Fires Across Europe Linked to Russian "Dry Runs" Targeting US Cargo Flights
A series of mysterious parcel fires at courier depots in Poland, Germany, and the UK are now believed to be part of a larger plot orchestrated by Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, to disrupt transatlantic cargo flights, according to European intelligence sources. Polish prosecutors revealed that four suspects have been arrested, and intelligence officials across Europe are investigating these incidents, which took place in July.
Katarzyna Calow Jaszewska, a Polish prosecutor leading the inquiry, confirmed that packages containing concealed explosives and hazardous materials had been sent via courier services, spontaneously igniting or exploding in multiple locations. These fires appear to be test runs, as the group’s intended targets were reportedly flights bound for the United States and Canada.
A Coordinated Effort by the GRU?
Western intelligence agencies now believe the fires, triggered by modified electric massage devices containing magnesium a highly flammable substance were likely coordinated by the GRU. Magnesium based fires are particularly dangerous because they are difficult to extinguish, especially in confined spaces like airplane cargo holds.
The incidents involved suspicious fires at key transportation hubs. On three occasions in July, fires broke out in containers intended for DHL cargo flights in Leipzig, Germany; at a transportation facility near Warsaw, Poland; and at Minworth, near Birmingham in the UK. The largest fire, in Warsaw, took firefighters two hours to contain, and German intelligence officials believe the Leipzig fire could have ignited mid-air had it not been caught in time.
Mounting Security Concerns in the UK, Germany, and Poland
As incidents have escalated, Western governments are increasingly concerned that Russia’s GRU may be conducting a covert campaign targeting EU nations that have supported Ukraine. German intelligence agency BfV’s head, Thomas Haldenwang, labeled the Leipzig fire an example of "suspected Russian sabotage."
The UK has also taken precautionary measures. Counter-terrorism police in the UK are investigating links to Russia, particularly after another suspected arson incident in Minworth on July 22. UK intelligence agency MI5’s director, Ken McCallum, emphasized last month that Russia has engaged in a series of "arson, sabotage, and reckless actions" against UK interests since the country began supporting Ukraine. While the Kremlin has denied these accusations, Western authorities are now convinced of a systematic sabotage effort.
Russia’s Expanding Hybrid Warfare
This year, suspicious fires have occurred at various cargo depots in Europe, with Russian-linked incidents being investigated in Sweden and the Czech Republic. The recent European attacks align with a pattern of hybrid warfare attributed to Russia, designed to create chaos and erode trust in the infrastructure of NATO-aligned nations.
The most recent incidents involved packages originating from Lithuania, which then caught fire upon arrival in Leipzig and Minworth. Lithuanian security officials have also linked the incidents to a broader campaign of hybrid attacks that are intended to "spread panic and mistrust."
Heightened Security Measures and Diplomatic Repercussions
In response to the fires, DHL has significantly increased its security protocols throughout Europe to protect employees and shipments. “DHL Express has implemented heightened security measures in all European locations to safeguard its network and customers’ shipments,” said a DHL representative.
Poland, one of the nations most affected by the fires, has responded with diplomatic actions, including the closure of the Russian consulate in Poznan. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has warned that further sabotage could lead to the expulsion of Russia’s ambassador. Russia's foreign ministry quickly condemned the move, calling it "a hostile step that will be met with a strong response."
As investigations continue, security experts across Europe remain on high alert, with governments closely monitoring potential Russian infiltration within logistics and transport networks. These incidents underscore the evolving nature of hybrid warfare, with traditional military tactics increasingly blended with covert operations aimed at disrupting critical infrastructure in Europe and beyond.
