Officers of Poland’s Internal Security Agency detained three Polish citizens suspected of acting on behalf of Russian intelligence. The arrests took place on 12 May 2026 on the order of a prosecutor from the Podlaskie Branch of the Department for Organised Crime and Corruption of the National Prosecutor’s Office in Białystok.
The detainees are A.Ć., aged 62, D.C., aged 50, and A.P., aged 48. Prosecutors charged them with, among other offences, acting on behalf of a foreign intelligence service, providing it with information that could harm the Republic of Poland, conducting disinformation activities, preparing acts of diversion and sabotage, and promoting content supporting the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine.
Espionage and Disinformation Charges
According to investigators’ findings, the suspects were allegedly acting on behalf of Russian intelligence and passing on information whose disclosure could have caused harm to Poland. The charges also include producing and distributing propaganda and disinformation materials.
The prosecution says the detainees’ activities were aimed at supporting Russian aggression against Ukraine. The suspects were also allegedly involved in raising funds intended for the purchase of equipment for Russian forces.
Reconnaissance of NATO Troops in Poland
According to information provided by the prosecution, the detainees allegedly carried out intelligence-related tasks at the request of a citizen of the Russian Federation. Investigators say this person is linked to the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation.
The tasks were said to include reconnaissance of the deployment of NATO troops stationed on Polish territory. Prosecutors also state that members of the group underwent firearms training and battlefield tactics training. According to investigators, this was intended to prepare them to carry out diversionary and sabotage tasks.
Propaganda Supporting Russian Aggression
The suspects were also charged with publicly praising the conduct of an aggressive war and promoting symbols supporting the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine. These acts were classified, among other legal bases, under the Polish Criminal Code and the Act of 13 April 2022 on counteracting support for aggression against Ukraine and protecting national security.
Among the legal grounds cited by the prosecution were Article 130 § 1 and 2 of the Criminal Code, concerning acting on behalf of a foreign intelligence service and providing it with information; Article 130 § 8 in conjunction with Article 130 § 7, concerning preparations for diversion and sabotage; and Article 130 § 9, concerning disinformation conducted on behalf of a foreign intelligence service.
Three-Month Detention for the Suspects
After the charges were presented, the prosecutor questioned the detainees as suspects. All three denied committing the alleged offences and provided explanations.
The prosecutor filed motions with the court to place the suspects in pre-trial detention for three months. The District Court in Białystok granted those motions.
They Face at Least Eight Years in Prison
Acts classified as espionage offences against state security are punishable by imprisonment for no less than eight years or by life imprisonment.
The investigation into the case is ongoing.
