Russia behind parcel fires in UK and Europe with explosive devices, investigators say

In mid-2024, several explosive parcel fires occurred at locations in Germany, Poland, and near Birmingham, UK, involving devices hidden inside vibrating massage pillows triggered by electronic timers. European and British authorities identified 22 suspects linked to Russia's military intelligence working across Lithuania, Poland, and neighboring countries. The sabotage targeted air cargo routes, with test packages sent to the US and Canada, aiming to disrupt flights. Two suspects will face trial later in 2024. The recruited operatives came from vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds across Russia, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Ukraine, coordinated via online encrypted messaging and paid in cryptocurrency. Russia denies these allegations despite repeated accusations from NATO countries amid an intensifying hybrid war campaign that includes other attacks on infrastructure in Europe.