Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Latvian Suspect Says Telegram Recruited Him for Slovak Arson
A man from Latvia is suspected of trying to start a fire at a drone factory in Slovakia.
The factory belongs to Skyeton, a company connected to Ukraine.
The man reportedly told investigators that people found him through Telegram and gave him instructions.
One person giving instructions reportedly spoke Russian.
Police also arrested people from Ukraine and Latvia.
A group called Global Citizens Against War 1984 said it organized the attempt, but officials did not confirm that claim.
Skyeton suggested Russia was involved, while Russia’s embassy denied it.
Reuters said it could not independently check the suspect’s statements.
A Latvian suspect allegedly told investigators he was recruited through Telegram to set fire to a Skyeton drone factory in Slovakia.
The suspect reportedly said he received the factory’s coordinates one day before the planned attack and was instructed by several people, including one Russian speaker.
Police arrested the Latvian suspect near the factory and a Ukrainian man who allegedly planned to drive him to Poland.
Another Latvian was arrested in Germany, while another Ukrainian was later detained in Slovakia in connection with the alleged plan.
Skyeton suggested Russia was behind the attempt, but the Russian embassy denied involvement and Reuters could not independently verify the report.
- Who
- A Latvian man is the main suspect; Ukrainian and Latvian nationals were also detained in connection with the alleged plan.
- What
- An alleged attempted arson attack targeting a Skyeton drone factory.
- When
- The attempt occurred last month; the report was published on September 11.
- Where
- At or near the Skyeton plant near Presov in eastern Slovakia; related arrests occurred in Slovakia and Germany.
- Why
- The motive is not established; Skyeton suggested Russian involvement, while a group claimed responsibility and Russia denied involvement.
Claims of Russian Involvement
Denials and Unverified Allegations
Who was behind the attempt?
Claims of Russian Involvement
Skyeton suggested Russia was behind the attempted arson, and the suspect reportedly described contact with an instructor who spoke Russian.
Denials and Unverified Allegations
The Russian embassy in Slovakia denied any Russian role, and Reuters said it could not verify the suspect’s statements.
Responsibility for the operation
Claims of Russian Involvement
Global Citizens Against War 1984 claimed responsibility and called the detained people its activists.
Denials and Unverified Allegations
The Slovak Interior Ministry declined to comment on the claim, so the group’s role was not confirmed.
- Target
- Skyeton drone factory near Presov, Slovakia
- Recruitment method
- The main suspect reportedly said he was recruited through Telegram
- Reported instructions
- The suspect allegedly received factory coordinates one day before the planned attack
- Arrests
- A Latvian suspect and a Ukrainian man were arrested in Slovakia; another Latvian was arrested in Germany and another Ukrainian was later detained in Slovakia
- Responsibility claim
- Global Citizens Against War 1984 claimed responsibility
- Russian position
- The Russian embassy in Slovakia denied any Russian role
- Verification
- Reuters could not independently verify the report or the suspect’s statements