Romania uncovers Russian sabotage network that attempted to set fire to arms factory – video

The Romanian Intelligence Service has uncovered a sabotage network coordinated from Russia that was involved in an arson attempt on the Carfil arms factory in Brașov on 14 September.

Source: European Pravda, citing a statement by the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI)

Details: Investigators established that three citizens of post-Soviet states who were legally residing in European Union countries had been involved in the sabotage attempt.

According to Digi24, the suspects are two Belarusian citizens and one Ukrainian. Two were detained by law enforcement in Germany, where they were preparing similar crimes. The third suspect was arrested in Poland. The Bucharest Court of Appeal has issued European arrest warrants for all three, and the Romanian authorities have begun extradition proceedings.

The intelligence service said the group's activities were not limited to Romania. Russian handlers had assigned it a number of targets across the region, including state-owned and private arms manufacturers as well as other sites of military and industrial importance.

The case forms part of a wider campaign of sabotage operations coordinated by Russia across Europe, according to the service. Investigations conducted this year have uncovered other attempts targeting facilities in Romania, including international military sites and facilities used to train Ukraine's Armed Forces.

The service warned that these actions are intended to intimidate, undermine defence capabilities and weaken countries' contributions to European and regional security.

Romanian intelligence also highlighted that recruitment for sabotage operations typically takes place through social media. Recruits are initially offered money for individual tasks, such as monitoring or photographing specific sites. The assignments then become increasingly serious and may escalate to acts of destruction, arson or even murder. If recruits refuse, their handlers may resort to pressure and blackmail.

These networks exploit financial vulnerability, addiction or criminal records. To conceal their identities and movements, members often use transport, accommodation and payment methods registered in other people's names. They also communicate using SIM cards from third countries and encrypted messaging apps.

"The Intelligence Service, together with the Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism, General Directorate for Defence Intelligence and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, is continuing to investigate sabotage operations detected within the country," the statement said.

Background:

• Romanian President Nicușor Dan recently pointed to an increase in Russian provocations across the European Union.
• Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said there was intelligence indicating the possibility of a certain escalation of Russia's hybrid war against Europe before Christmas.

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