Russian Spy Services Allegedly Behind Incendiary Device Plot Targeting DHL Cargo Flights to U.S. and Canada

In mid-2024, two incendiary devices concealed inside electric massagers containing magnesium-based flammable material ignited at DHL logistics centers in Leipzig, Germany, and Birmingham, UK. European investigations, involving police and spy agencies, have traced the plot to the Russian military-intelligence service, the GRU, with the intent to sabotage commercial cargo and passenger flights destined for North America. Lithuanian authorities arrested Alexander Suranovas, a suspect who acted as a proxy for Russian services and sent at least four such devices from DHL locations in Vilnius. Poland arrested four others linked to the sabotage and is actively seeking more suspects. Officials described the potential impact as potentially disastrous, given magnesium fires are hard to extinguish on planes, which could force emergency landings or crashes over oceans. British MI5 and MI6 have publicly warned about Russia's escalating reckless sabotage and arson campaign in Europe. The investigation includes cooperation among European nations, and DHL has confirmed full cooperation. The scheme represents a major escalation in Russia's clandestine operations against Western transportation infrastructure.