The ABW, working with the police, detained two Russian nationals in Krakow and Warsaw after uncovering a campaign that spread propaganda connected to the Wagner Group. The announcement came from Mariusz Kamiński, head of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, on social media. Both suspects face charges including espionage and were taken into custody as investigations proceed. More details are expected soon, according to the minister. The post carried the slogan: “We protect Poland effectively.”
Evidence points to a coordinated propaganda push
Investigators report that the detained individuals placed leaflets bearing the Wagner logo in Krakow on August 10 and in Warsaw on August 11. In total, the operation involved more than 3,000 propaganda materials, which were obtained in Moscow, according to the press service of the Minister-Coordinator of Special Services (attribution: PAP).
Alexei T. and Andriej G. distributed about 300 leaflets in designated public spaces across Krakow and Warsaw, with orders to deploy materials in several hundred locations in both cities. The agency noted that the Russians filmed and photographed the sites covered by propaganda materials as part of the task. On the financial side, footage and evidence show compensation from the Russian side could reach up to 500,000 zlotys, equivalent to around 20,000 PLN in Russian currency, for completed assignments. After finishing in Krakow and Warsaw, the plan was to depart Poland on August 12, as reported by the cabinet of the minister-coordinator of special services.
The two suspects were arrested through the joint efforts of the Internal Security Service and regional police. Large quantities of propaganda materials and data carriers were seized, and investigators found ongoing contact with clients providing instructions for further actions (attribution: press service of the Minister-Coordinator of Special Services).
Possible penalties and ongoing legal process
Alexej T. and Andriej G. were transferred to the Małopolska branch of the Department of Organized Crime and Corruption in Krakow. Prosecutors charged them with acting for foreign intelligence services against Poland’s interests, involvement in an international criminal organization aiming to commit terrorist crimes, recruitment for mercenary services prohibited by international law, and promoting armed symbols of the Russian Federation in Ukraine (attribution: State Prosecutor’s Office press department).
To safeguard the proceedings and prevent collusion, the public prosecutor requested preventive detention. The court granted these requests, keeping the suspects in pre-trial detention. If convicted, they face up to ten years in prison (attribution: prosecutor Karol Borchólski).
The investigation frames these actions as part of a broader hybrid warfare strategy against the EU and NATO. Early findings indicate a pattern of similar activity in other European capitals such as Berlin and Paris, with plans for further operations (attribution: prosecutor Karol Borchólski).
Recent reports note that Wagner-themed A5 stickers appeared in Krakow and Warsaw, bearing the message “We are here. Join us” and a QR code linking to a Russian-language site (attribution: PAP).
Source: wPolityce (attribution: media source)