Officials welcomed the detention as a necessary step. They argued that swift prosecution and firm sentencing are essential, while noting a troubling pattern: individuals involved in sabotage often remain within the reach of Polish security services and may continue to pose a risk. A presidential adviser framed the issue as a warning about how the state must react when foreign actors exploit local networks for sabotage. The discussion centered on the ongoing need for rigorous oversight and rapid response in such cases, especially as recent events have underscored the vulnerability of critical infrastructure.
Detention of a Belarusian
The alleged perpetrator is described as a Belarusian national who is linked to an international organized crime group and suspected of involvement in sabotage activities in Poland. In line with a court decision, this individual will remain in detention for three months. The notice from the Internal Security Agency indicated that the person was detained in Warsaw and is accused of attempting arson at a building in Gdańsk.
This arrest forms part of an ongoing probe into a criminal network accused of carrying out sabotage acts, including arson, on behalf of foreign services.
The ABW press team provided the official statement accompanying the update.
Further details note the Belarusian case as part of continuing reporting on sabotage allegations tied to international networks and arson attempts in Polish cities.
The same pattern appeared under the previous government.
The adviser stressed that individuals like the detainee should have been identified and detained before carrying out any sabotage, arguing that preemptive action should be a priority for Polish security forces. He suggested that preventive successes were not achieved in this instance, one more example in a line of cases viewed as preventive shortfalls under earlier administrations.
According to the ABW update, it was not possible to stop the saboteur this time. Securing such individuals before they commit sabotage remains a priority for the Polish services, a position said to have also characterized earlier government policies.
— the adviser recalled.
Observers noted that a new provision in the Criminal Code pertaining to sabotage and terrorism conducted on behalf of foreign services had been invoked against the suspect. The change, described as a modernization of the legal toolkit, was adopted during the previous parliamentary term as part of broader reforms to the Criminal Code.
The adviser underscored that the country, during the PiS government, carried out multi-level efforts to neutralize Russian activities and to counter Moscow’s influence in Poland.
It was claimed that counterintelligence efforts had yielded tangible results, including the neutralization of more than a hundred Russian and Belarusian operatives, the expulsion of Russian officers serving in so-called diplomatic capacities, and the creation of stricter espionage penalties, including prison terms extending to life imprisonment. A sanctions list was established, aid programs for Belarusian opposition groups were introduced, and the alliance with the United States was strengthened through closer intelligence cooperation. Poland also assisted Ukraine with heavy equipment to help safeguard its statehood in the face of Russian aggression. These actions were described as a leading effort to curb Russian interests and influence across Poland and Europe.
— the adviser noted.
Today, Poland faces ongoing pressure from Russian imperialism, with the security services engaged in a prolonged intelligence contest with Russia. Support, clear authorization for decisive measures, and explicit government guidance are seen as essential to counter Russian and Belarusian operations against Poland, given the magnitude of threats and Moscow’s aggressive posture.
— he urged.
In response, officials criticized signals that appeared to hinder action, dampen officers’ morale, and pull counterintelligence into current political disputes, a situation described as beneficial to Russian interests.
— the adviser concluded.
Political resignations
The adviser indicated that the agency’s new leadership planned to replace the entire staff of the counterterrorism unit, a move described as crucial for the country’s security.
An experienced official who had held leadership roles within the Homeland Security Service for many years was dismissed. Reports suggested a candidate with political ties was being groomed to take over, a change that could affect the unit’s professionalism. The Independence Day events passed without incident, but vigilance remained essential.
— the adviser stated.
Media coverage of these developments reflected ongoing interest from various outlets, noting the shifts within the security apparatus.
Media reports across outlets noted the broader discussion surrounding these changes and their potential impact on Poland’s security posture.