Polish law enforcement officials have arrested six people accused of attempting to illegally transport specialized equipment to Russia that could be used in military drone production, according to prosecutors in Warsaw.
The group consisted of four individuals from Belarus and two Polish citizens who were taken into custody on February 18th. Authorities say they were trying to smuggle machinery designed to automate the manufacturing of integrated circuits, which are essential components in combat drone assembly.
Polish officials have repeatedly cautioned about efforts by Russia and Belarus to undermine nations supporting Ukraine since Moscow’s invasion began on February 24, 2022.
The equipment in question falls under international sanctions and has strategic military significance, prosecutors explained on Wednesday. The suspects allegedly planned to transport the machinery through Belarus as part of their smuggling operation.
“Violation of the provisions of the sanctions act is classified as a crime, punishable by imprisonment for a period of no less than three years,” prosecutors said in a statement.
Three of the accused have been ordered to remain in jail for three months while awaiting trial, while the other three were released under police monitoring with bail conditions and travel restrictions preventing them from leaving Poland.
According to prosecutors, intervention by officers from Poland’s National Revenue Administration successfully prevented the smuggling attempt. “Earlier actions by officers of the National Revenue Administration helped thwart an attempt to smuggle a machine, which contributed to the disruption of potential supplies of military equipment to the troops of the Russian Federation operating in eastern Ukraine,” prosecutors said.
