World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
Romania links September fire to suspected Russian-led sabotage network
Romania’s intelligence service says it identified a sabotage network coordinated by Russia and believes it caused a fire in September near a state-owned weapons company in central Romania.
Romanian prosecutors suspect two Belarusians and one Ukrainian of involvement in the arson.
The two Belarusians were detained in Germany, and the Ukrainian was arrested in Poland.
Romania says the network was assigned targets including weapons makers and other sites with military or industrial importance in Romania and elsewhere in the European Union.
The allegations come amid warnings from Romanian officials and European security services about Russian-linked sabotage and other actions meant to destabilise countries supporting Ukraine.
Romanian authorities are seeking the suspects’ extradition so they can face proceedings in Romania; Russia has repeatedly denied accusations of sabotage.
Romania says it has identified a Russia-coordinated network it believes was responsible for a September fire near a state-owned weapons factory.
The fire occurred at an industrial site in Brasov on September 14, according to Romania’s Intelligence Service.
Romanian authorities link two Belarusians and one Ukrainian to the case; reports differ on whether the third suspect is at large or has been detained in Poland.
Romania says the network’s targets included weapons production facilities and other sites of military and industrial interest.
Moscow has repeatedly denied accusations of sabotage in Europe, and there was no immediate Russian comment on Romania’s claim.
- Who
- Romania’s Intelligence Service and prosecutors say a Russia-coordinated network was involved. Three suspects are identified as two Belarusians and one Ukrainian.
- What
- A fire at an industrial site near a state-owned weapons factory is being investigated as sabotage.
- When
- September 14. Romania’s Intelligence Service announced its findings on October 26.
- Where
- Brasov, central Romania.
- Why
- Romania says the alleged campaign targets arms manufacturers and other sites of military and industrial interest, aiming to weaken countries that support Ukraine.
Romanian authorities
Russia
Responsibility for the fire
Romanian authorities
Romania says a network coordinated by Russia was responsible.
Russia
Russia has repeatedly denied accusations of sabotage in Europe.
Purpose of the alleged operations
Romanian authorities
Romania says the operations aim to intimidate and weaken defence capabilities and support for European and regional security.
Russia
Russia’s position on the specific Romanian allegation is not stated; Moscow has generally denied such accusations.
A fire broke out at an industrial site near a state-owned weapons factory in Brasov.
Romania’s Intelligence Service said it had identified a network it believed was responsible for the fire.
Romanian prosecutors said they were seeking the extradition of suspects apprehended in Germany and Poland.
Al Jazeera reported Romania’s claim and said there was no immediate comment from Russia.
- Fire date
- September 14
- Fire location
- Brasov, central Romania
- Suspects identified
- Two Belarusians and one Ukrainian
- Border with Ukraine
- More than 600 km
- Alleged targets
- Weapons production facilities and other military and industrial sites
3 sources
What people are saying
These actions are intended to intimidate, undermine defence capabilities and weaken the contribution of the targeted states to European and regional security
Hybrid attacks will not hold us back from strengthening our resilience and defense
part of a wider campaign of sabotage operations coordinated by Russia