Russian involvement suspected in cargo fires

An international investigation involving Counter Terrorism Policing London has identified suspected Russian involvement in a series of incidents targeting air freight across Europe.

The investigation involved detectives from Lithuania, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK, with the team established through Eurojust – the European Union for Criminal Justice.

The team shared investigative material relating to several fires involving cargo, which took place across Europe.

A package at a depot in in Minworth, Birmingham, ignited on 22 July 2024, with detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London linking it to other incidents which had happened across Europe.

A 38-year-old man, a Romanian national, was arrested on 19 March 2025 on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service, under section 3 of the National Security Act 2023. He was subsequently released and remains under investigation.

From their enquiries, detectives now believe that Russian military intelligence may be involved.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “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.

“The strength of cooperation in this case has led us to collectively identify what we believe to be Russian military intelligence involvement in a series of incidents across Europe.

“Our investigation is ongoing, and we continue to liaise closely with partners to ensure we’re doing all we can to keep the sector, and the public safe.

“We have been clear and open about the increasing levels of demand we’re seeing relating to the activity of foreign states here in the UK.

“For Counter Terrorism Policing this means more investigations, and our teams are working around the clock to identify and disrupt a range of activity to protect the UK and the public from terrorism and other national security threats.’