Poland attributes Russian intelligence last year to arson attack on Warsaw shopping malls
Warsaw, Poland – Poland – A fire destroyed a large shopping mall in Warsaw last year, the result of arson ordered by Russian intelligence.
On May 12, 2024, a fire broke out during Marywilska 44 shopping, with about 1,400 stores and service points. Many suppliers are from Vietnam, which has caused tragedy in the Vietnamese community in Warsaw.
“We can now know for sure that the fire in Marywilska was the result of a commissioned arson by the Russian Service,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on X. “These operations were coordinated by a person living in Russia. Some of the perpetrators have been detained.
Attorney General Adam Bodnar and Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak said in a joint statement that on May 12, 2024, Blaze spent 1,400 stores and service points. The authorities have investigated the incident for a year, with the support of the police and the Internal Security Bureau.
Officials said arson was part of a coordinated sabotage campaign carried out by Russia. Some perpetrators were detained, while others had been identified and were searched for. Polish authorities also cooperated with Lithuania, where some suspects allegedly carried out related activities.
The investigation involved 121 days of on-site inspections and the work of 55 prosecutors and 100 police officers. More than 70 witnesses and more than 500 victims were interviewed.
Ministers said: “We are determined to be responsible for these shameful acts of vandalism.”
The news comes from European concerns about Russia's attempt to undermine the region through covert operations.
In the past, Russia has denied allegations that it is planning arson and sabotage in Europe.
