Romanian probe: Moscow-linked group fires near weapons plant

Romanian intelligence officials announced on Monday that they identified a network coordinated by Russia responsible for a September 14 fire at an industrial site in Brasov. The location is situated near a state-owned weapons factory. The agency stated the incident was part of a coordinated sabotage campaign aimed at arms manufacturers and other military and industrial targets during the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism, or DIICOT, identified three individuals involved in the Brasov incident. The group consisted of two Belarusian nationals and one Ukrainian national, all of whom resided in European Union countries. Authorities tracked down two of the suspects in Germany, where they were remanded in custody while preparing for similar offenses. The third suspect remains at large in Poland. Russia has not yet issued a formal response to the new accusation, though Moscow has historically denied such claims.

Romanian officials described a recruitment method where targets are often found on social media. Recruits are initially offered money for simple tasks, such as observing or photographing specific locations. Over time, these assignments escalate to include vandalism, arson, or even murder, according to the Intelligence Service. The goal of these actions is to intimidate nations and weaken their contribution to regional security.

President Nicusor Dan has characterized the country as a target of a hybrid war intended to destabilize nations supporting Kyiv. He cited drone incursions, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns as part of this effort. Foreign Minister Dan Neculaescu stated on X that the Brasov fire is part of a broader campaign across Europe targeting military production. He added that hybrid attacks will not stop Romania from strengthening its resilience and defense.

The announcement follows a series of incidents at defense sites in Europe. In September, explosions and fires damaged two ammunition storage sites in Bulgaria operated by EMCO. That same month, firebombs were thrown near a defense company in Munich, and Romanian authorities detained a Russian citizen for filming military sites. In August, a blast struck a KNDS ammunition factory near Rome. Additionally, at least eight cargo ships have been hit off the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria in the past three weeks, leaving about 34 sailors dead or missing.

Romania shares a border with Ukraine that stretches more than 600 kilometers. The country is a member of both the EU and NATO. A year ago, Polish and Romanian authorities detained eight people suspected of participating in a Russian plot to send exploding parcels to Ukraine.