Camilla Jessen
Prosecutors say the suspect expressed willingness to help Belarusian intelligence conduct sabotage and espionage across Europe.
Polish authorities have charged a Belarusian citizen accused of offering to work with the Belarusian KGB to carry out sabotage operations and intelligence activities across the European Union.
According to Polish broadcaster RMF FM, prosecutors have filed an indictment against the suspect, identified as Artem K., with the District Court in Białystok.
Secret Meeting in Warsaw
Investigators say that in December 2024, while in Warsaw, Artem K. expressed a clear willingness to cooperate with Belarusian intelligence.
He allegedly offered to conduct sabotage operations not only in Poland but across other EU member states.
He also reportedly proposed sharing sensitive details, including locations of critical infrastructure and personal information about Belarusian nationals living in Poland.
Arrest and Charges
Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW) arrested the man in December last year. According to officials, he was questioned and provided testimony, but denied any criminal intent or wrongdoing.
Despite this, prosecutors charged him with attempting to declare readiness to act for a foreign intelligence service against Poland. He remains in custody as the case proceeds.
Broader Concerns About Belarusian Espionage
The case against Artem K. comes amid growing regional concerns over Belarusian intelligence activity.
Earlier this year, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) reported it had foiled a Belarusian spy operation aimed at gathering military intelligence near Ukraine’s northern border.
Recruitment via Telegram
According to SBU officials, a 24-year-old man from the Volyn region was recruited via anonymous Telegram channels. Reportedly unemployed and looking to make quick money, the man agreed to collect data on Ukrainian Armed Forces positions.
A Pattern of Recruitment
Both cases highlight a pattern of recruitment by Belarusian intelligence services, often targeting young individuals in financial difficulty and using encrypted or anonymous messaging platforms to make contact.
Officials in Warsaw and Kyiv have repeatedly warned of intensified espionage efforts by both Belarus and Russia, particularly targeting countries supporting Ukraine or hosting dissidents.
