Russia suspected of using criminal networks for sabotage in Europe

Russia is reportedly intensifying hybrid warfare against Europe by targeting defense industry facilities and military production businesses. Intelligence data suggests Russian security services are recruiting individuals from criminal networks to carry out sabotage and attacks, a tactic intended to avoid the direct involvement of Russian operatives.

Recent incidents include an attempted arson at a Skyeton drone manufacturing plant in Prešov, Slovakia, where police arrested suspects. In Estonia, authorities have investigated a fire at Milrem Robotics, a military robotics firm. Other reported incidents include an explosion at an ammunition factory near Rome and a fire at a military industry site in Bulgaria.

Western authorities have long focused on Unit 29155 of the GRU, a Russian military intelligence unit accused of conducting clandestine operations abroad, including sabotage, ammunition depot explosions, and assassination attempts. Investigations are ongoing to determine if these recent incidents are part of a coordinated sabotage campaign or isolated accidents.