JAKARTA - Two Russian nationals were jailed for 5.5 years in Poland for membership of the Russian Wagner Group militia and espionage Moscow.
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.
"The actions of the defendants are intended to cause social anxiety, in particular to make the Polish people believe that members of the Wagner Group already exist in the Polish Republic region, that Polish services are not working," a District Court spokesman in Krakow said.
Alexei T. and Andrei G. were arrested in Warsaw in August 2023 and accused of carrying out activities for foreign intelligence interests, as well as participating in international armed associations aimed at committing terrorist offenses, and other charges.
According to prosecutors, the men posted posters on Krakow and Warsaw with QR codes leading to Wagner's recruitment site.
SEE ALSO:
They previously put up posters in France and Germany that mocked the defense policies of Western countries.
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.
Russia has always denied involvement.
Lawyer Andrei G. said his client might file an appeal. Meanwhile, Alexei T.'s lawyer could not be reached for comment.
The Polish law does not allow the publication of the last name of the criminal defendant until his decision is final.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
