A masked intruder was reportedly captured by surveillance before one blaze, while investigators examine whether the two incidents share a hidden connection.
Polish law enforcement and security services are investigating whether two fires at companies involved in the production of drones and aircraft components may be linked to Russia.
This was stated by Poland’s Deputy Minister of the Interior and Administration, Czesław Mroczek, on RMF24.
The first fire broke out on the night of August 31 at the WB Electronics plant in the city of Skarżysko-Kamienna, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. Preliminary estimates indicate that the blaze caused at least 15 million zlotys in damage to the company, equivalent to more than €3.5 million.
The company’s monitoring system recorded a person entering the premises. The intruder was wearing a mask.
– Czesław Mroczek
Poland’s Deputy Minister of the Interior and Administration, Czesław Mroczek, said that the evidence gathered at the scene could indicate deliberate arson. Police officers, firefighters, representatives of the Internal Security Agency, and the Military Counterintelligence Service took part in operations at the site.
Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation under articles concerning participation in the activities of a foreign intelligence service against Poland and the commission of a terrorist crime. No suspects have been named so far. If convicted of these offenses, those responsible could face penalties of up to life imprisonment.
Fire at a company in Lublin
That same day, approximately 150 kilometers from Skarżysko-Kamienna, a production and warehouse building belonging to JFG Composites caught fire in Lublin. The fire covered an area of about 2,000 square meters. Around 60 firefighters were involved in putting out the blaze, and the operation lasted approximately seven hours. Preliminary estimates put the damage at €5 million.
The Lublin District Prosecutor’s Office is examining several possible causes of the fire. These include deliberate arson, a technical malfunction, and spontaneous combustion. Investigators have not confirmed the sabotage theory, but they have not ruled it out either. Final conclusions will be drawn after the scene has been examined and an expert assessment carried out.
Poland strengthens protection of defense-industry companies
Against the backdrop of the two incidents, the Polish authorities have decided to strengthen security at defense-industry facilities. According to Czesław Mroczek, the security plans of companies will be reviewed after each such incident, while police monitoring at strategic facilities has already been increased.
At the same time, Polish services have not yet established whether the fires in Skarżysko-Kamienna and Lublin have a common origin. All possible explanations are still being investigated.