Russia Behind Parcel Fires in UK and Europe, Investigators Say

In mid-2024, investigators confirmed responsibility of Russia's military intelligence for parcel bomb fires detonating at multiple European sites including a DHL sorting depot in Birmingham, UK, and locations in Poland and Germany. The devices were concealed in vibrating massage pillows and triggered by electronic timers. Authorities uncovered that 22 suspects from Eastern European nations had been recruited and paid in cryptocurrency to carry out these sabotage attempts, likely intended as dry runs to disrupt flights to North America. Two cases have progressed to court with trials expected later in 2024. The investigation highlights ongoing Russian hybrid warfare tactics targeting European infrastructure amid the wider conflict stemming from Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Although Russia denies involvement, similar incidents have been linked to it in Sweden and the Czech Republic.