Ukrainians Imprisoned For 8 Years In Poland For Sabotage Plans In The Name Of Russia

UNSPLASH ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - A Ukrainian citizen was found guilty of planning acts of sabotage on behalf of the Russian service and was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Poland and other NATO countries have seen an increase in sabotage, subversion, and other 'hybrid war' activities carried out by Moscow since Russia's massive invasion of Ukraine three years ago.

Russia has repeatedly denied involvement.

Serhii S. was arrested in January last year and charged with operating in an organized criminal group aimed at committing crimes against Poland by participating in foreign intelligence activities and preparing to burn buildings in WroClaw in southern Poland.

During the investigation and trial, the perpetrator pleaded not guilty, saying he was motivated by financial gain and had no intention of burning down a factory building or construction shop in WroClaw, Polish news agency PAP reported.

In September, prosecutors filed a motion to impose a 3-year prison sentence without a trial, but the court rejected the motion, saying that the sentences approved by prosecutors and Serhii S. were too light.

On Friday, the WroClaw District court found Serhii S. guilty. He has the right to appeal the ruling.

Western officials believe the agents paid by Russia are behind a number of crimes across Europe, including burglary and arson in key factories and infrastructure, physical attacks, and even plans to kill the head of Germany's largest arms company.