Germany Detains Three Ukrainians in Connection with Suspected Spying and Exploding Parcel Scheme
German prosecutors have reported the arrest of three Ukrainians for their alleged role in sending exploding parcels, following a series of fires at courier depots across Europe that suggest possible Russian sabotage.
The detonations at depots in Britain, Germany, and Poland last summer have heightened suspicion in Europe, where intelligence officials have indicated a rising risk of hybrid attacks since the invasion of Ukraine.
The suspects are said to have been in communication with individuals linked to Russian state institutions, according to a statement from federal prosecutors.
Two of the suspects, named in accordance with German privacy laws as Vladyslav T. and Daniil B., were apprehended over the weekend in Germany. The third suspect, identified as Yevhen B., was arrested yesterday in Switzerland.
Security officials noted that the explosive parcels targeting logistics depots in Europe were part of an experimental Russian operation intended to instigate explosions on cargo flights bound for the United States. Russia has denied these allegations.
Prosecutors have not clarified whether the parcels were designed for air transport or overland delivery.
Thomas Haldenwang, the head of Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, informed a parliamentary committee in October that the country narrowly avoided a plane crash when an air freight parcel ignited.
Authorities have alerted businesses about the threat, prompting logistics firm DHL to implement protective measures for its network after multiple incidents at its warehouse in Leipzig.
German prosecutors stated that the three suspected agents had coordinated with one or more Russian state actors to dispatch devices through the mail to recipients in Ukraine, with this scheme remaining active until at least March 2025.
To evaluate potential routes, Vladyslav T. submitted two test parcels containing GPS trackers in Cologne in late March. The order was made by Yevhen B., who, with the assistance of Daniil B., supplied the contents of the parcels, according to the statement.
