An international police investigation has uncovered suspected links to Russian military intelligence in a series of suspicious incidents targeting air freight hubs across Europe.
On 22 July 2024, a package exploded at a depot in Minworth, Birmingham, prompting Counter Terrorism Policing London to take charge of the case. Detectives quickly connected this event to other similar sabotage cases occurring across the continent.
On 19 March 2025, authorities arrested a 38-year-old Romanian man on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act 2023. Although he has since been released, the investigation remains ongoing.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans praised the cooperation with European partners, stating: “The work of our European counterparts has been truly remarkable and shows why cross-border cooperation is vital. Together, we have identified what we believe to be Russian military intelligence involvement in these incidents.”
She added, “Our investigation is ongoing. We’re working round the clock with partners to keep the public and freight sector safe.”
“Foreign state activity in the UK is rising and our teams are stepping up efforts to disrupt threats to national security,” Evans said.
The investigation continues with close coordination between UK agencies, European police forces, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the affected freight carriers.
Originally published by UKNIP.
