Mystery parcel fires were ‘test runs’ to target cargo flights to US, says Poland

European Parcel Fires Suspected as ‘Test Runs’ for Sabotaging US-Bound Cargo, Say Investigators

A series of parcel fires in Poland, Germany, and the UK are believed to be coordinated sabotage efforts aimed at disrupting cargo flights bound for the United States and Canada, according to Polish prosecutors. This incendiary campaign, which unfolded in July, is now being linked to Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, as part of an alleged broader initiative to destabilize key Western logistical operations.

The investigation, led by Polish prosecutor Katarzyna Calow-Jaszewska, has resulted in four arrests, with European authorities expanding their probe across multiple nations. Recent statements by Western security sources indicate that these fires—marked by packages that burst into flames—were intentional trials designed to assess the vulnerabilities of cargo transfers to North America.

Evidence suggests that the fires originated from small devices concealed within everyday products, such as electric massage machines, outfitted with magnesium-based substances. These materials, known for their high flammability and resistance to extinguishing, are particularly hazardous during air transport. Officials believe the ultimate objective was to test methods for successfully sending these dangerous packages through courier channels to North America.

Poland’s investigation is joined by authorities in Lithuania, where additional devices were reportedly assembled and suspects detained. Notable incidents include a fire on a DHL cargo plane container in Leipzig, Germany, and another at a British transport hub in Birmingham, prompting heightened security measures at logistical centers across Europe.

While Russian authorities have refuted claims of involvement, the frequency and precision of these incidents suggest a coordinated campaign targeting nations that support Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. The UK’s MI5 intelligence chief, Ken McCallum, previously expressed concerns over Russia’s increasing use of sabotage to create instability in Europe, reinforcing suspicions about GRU’s covert role.

Further security steps have since been implemented by the US Transportation Security Administration to safeguard US-bound cargo, though officials stress there is no active threat to ongoing flights. Meanwhile, DHL has reinforced its European protocols, adding measures to secure its staff, facilities, and customer shipments.

In response to the perceived escalation, Poland has taken diplomatic action by closing a Russian consulate, with warnings of additional measures if the suspected interference persists. Moscow, however, has dismissed these moves as hostile actions that will be met with firm countermeasures.

With these developments, European governments are increasingly on alert for what they suspect is an ongoing hybrid attack campaign by Russian operatives aimed at inducing chaos and mistrust among allied nations.