Polish officials have revealed that a devastating fire at a major shopping hub in Warsaw, on the eve of the one-year anniversary was a deliberate act of arson orchestrated by Russian intelligence.
The blaze erupted on May 12, 2024, at the Marywilska 44 shopping center, which housed approximately 1,400 businesses and service outlets.
The complex, a vital economic base for many Vietnamese entrepreneurs in the city, was reduced to ruins, sending shockwaves through Warsaw’s Vietnamese community.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk took to X to confirm suspicions that have lingered since the incident.
“We now know for certain that the massive fire on Marywilska was the result of arson commissioned by Russian services,” he wrote. “The actions were coordinated by a person residing in Russia. Some of the perpetrators are already in custody, while the rest have been identified and are being sought. We will catch them all!”
Justice Minister Adam Bodnar and Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak issued a joint statement highlighting the scale of the destruction, emphasizing that the 2024 blaze “gutted 1,400 shops and service points.”
They noted the year-long investigation was conducted in collaboration with the police and the Internal Security Agency.
Authorities described the arson as part of a broader sabotage strategy allegedly led by Russia. Some individuals linked to the operation have already been detained, while others remain at large.
Investigators are working closely with Lithuanian counterparts, as related criminal activities are believed to have taken place there as well.
The scale of the inquiry has been immense, involving 121 days of on-site analysis, over 500 victims, and 70 witness testimonies.
A task force of 55 prosecutors and 100 police officers was assembled to pursue the case.
“We are determined to hold accountable those responsible for these disgraceful acts of sabotage,” the ministers affirmed.
The revelation adds to growing concerns throughout Europe over covert Russian efforts to destabilize the region.
While Moscow has consistently denied involvement in such operations, the mounting evidence has intensified scrutiny across the continent.
