Authorities in the UK, Lithuania, and Latvia have arrested suspects accused of espionage and sabotage on behalf of Russia, amid warnings of a growing shadow war across Europe.
Authorities in the United Kingdom, Lithuania, and Latvia have arrested several individuals suspected of conducting espionage and sabotage activities on behalf of Russia.
UK police confirmed on Thursday that three suspects — two men aged 41 and 46, and a 35-year-old woman — were detained in Essex under the Official Secrets Act. Officers searched two properties before releasing the suspects on bail pending further investigation.
In Lithuania, prosecutors said they dismantled a Russia-linked network accused of coordinating arson attacks across Europe.
The suspects allegedly acted on behalf of Russia’s military intelligence, sending incendiary devices concealed in massage cushions and cosmetic tubes via courier services.
Some devices, fitted with timed detonators, caught fire at DHL warehouses in Leipzig and Birmingham in July 2024.
Meanwhile, Latvia’s security service confirmed the arrest of a man accused of passing sensitive military intelligence to Moscow.
European authorities have documented at least 80 Russia-linked sabotage incidents since 2022, including espionage, arson, and assassination plots. Lithuanian officials said 15 suspects were involved in the network, with international warrants issued for three.
Western officials accused Moscow of waging a “shadow war” across Europe. The Kremlin has denied the allegations, calling them Western propaganda.
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