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UK police say Russia military intelligence behind European cargo fires

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on March 6, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: April 1, 2026

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LONDON, March 6 (Reuters) - British police said on Friday an international investigation had identified suspected Russian military intelligence participation in a series of fires involving air freight

UK Police: Russian Military Intelligence Linked to European Cargo Fires in 2024

International Investigation into European Cargo Fires

Background of the Investigation

LONDON, March 6 (Reuters) - British police said on Friday an international investigation had identified suspected Russian military intelligence participation in a series of fires involving air freight cargo across Europe dating back to 2024.

Collaboration Among European Law Enforcement

Countries Involved in the Investigation

The conclusion came after work carried out by a team of detectives from Britain, Lithuania, Poland, Germany and The Netherlands, the London police statement said.

Statements from Officials

Comments from Counter Terrorism Policing

"The work of our European counterparts has been truly remarkable and demonstrates the critical need for us to work across borders, as well as the expertise of our colleagues overseas," said Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing.

Media Reporting and Editorial Credits

(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti, writing by Sarah Young and Michael Holden; editing by Kate Holton)

Key Takeaways

  • Parcel‑borne incendiary devices—containing thermite and disguised as consumer goods—ignited in DHL and DPD logistics hubs in Germany, the UK, Poland, and triggered a fire in a Birmingham warehouse (courier hub), in July 2024 (euronews.com).
  • Lithuanian prosecutors and Western security officials assert these attacks were ‘test runs’ for broader sabotage aimed at disrupting air‑cargo routes and potentially targeting aircraft bound for North America (euronews.com).
  • This cross‑border operation prompted the formation of a joint investigative team—including UK, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands and allies such as the U.S. and Canada—to probe the plot and issue international arrest warrants (abcnews.go.com).

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What have UK police said about recent European cargo fires?
UK police stated that an international investigation linked Russian military intelligence to a series of European air freight cargo fires dating back to 2024.
Which countries were involved in the investigation of the cargo fires?
The investigation involved police teams from Britain, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and The Netherlands.
Who confirmed the Russian military intelligence involvement?
British police, in cooperation with European counterparts, concluded suspected Russian military intelligence involvement.
What did Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans say about the investigation?
She highlighted the remarkable work and expertise of European colleagues and the critical need for cross-border cooperation.
When did the air cargo fire incidents begin?
The series of incidents dates back to 2024.

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