Russian intelligence is suspected of being behind several “self igniting” air freight fires around Europe, including one in Birmingham.Met Police said an investigation involving multiple countries was ongoing after “several fires involving cargo”.
The fire at a DHL depot in Birmingham in July 2024 has been linked to other incidents around the continent.A 38-year-old Romanian national was arrested in the UK last year on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence agency. He was released but remains under investigation.Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said they believe Russian military intelligence is to blame.
Four parcels were sent from Lithuania to addresses in the United Kingdom and Poland in July 2024, said a joint statement from European investigators.One caught fire in transit at Leipzig airport, another exploded inside a truck in Poland, one was seized while intact, and the other was the Birmingham incident.
“Test packages” were also sent to the US and Canada.This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
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