Lithuania exposes GRU sabotage network that targeted factories in four NATO countries – Reuters

Lithuanian authorities said Russia’s military intelligence service, the GRU, was responsible for an attempted arson attack in 2024 targeting a factory that supplies radio wave scanners to Ukraine’s armed forces, according to a Reuters report.

Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has repeatedly been accused by European governments of carrying out covert sabotage operations across the region, including arson, cyberattacks, and intelligence-led disruptions aimed at countries supporting Ukraine militarily and politically.

Six arrested, three more sought

Senior prosecutor Arturas Urbelis said six people have been arrested and charged in connection with the attack. The suspects are citizens of Spain, Colombia, Cuba, Russia, and Belarus, and each faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Deputy chief of Lithuania’s criminal police Saulius Briginas said the operation was coordinated from Russia. He said instructions were issued by individuals based in Russia who have links to the GRU.

Network linked to attacks across four countries

Lithuanian officials said the group behind the attack included Colombian and Cuban citizens living in Russia. Authorities said the same network attempted similar arson attacks in Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic.

Police said other targets included oil infrastructure in Romania, construction warehouses in Poland, and buses, a post office, and a cinema in the Czech Republic.

Suspects paid up to €10,000

Lithuania has issued international arrest warrants for three additional suspects and is seeking the extradition of a fourth person arrested in Colombia. Investigators said all six detained suspects had links to Russia through study, travel, or personal contacts.

Urbelis said the suspects were paid between €5,000 and €10,000 and were primarily motivated by financial gain.