'Disposable spies': Poland records unprecedented number of Russian espionage cases
Summary
Poland has reported a sharp increase in Russian espionage and sabotage activities since 2024, including using so-called "disposable spies" who carry out temporary missions to create chaos and gather information. Russian intelligence is moving towards more organized sabotage groups, targeting military sites, infrastructure, and public places like shopping malls.Key Facts
- Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW) recorded more espionage investigations in 2024-2025 than in the previous 30 years combined.
- "Disposable spies" are individuals recruited briefly by Russian intelligence to cause disruption and test Poland’s defenses.
- These spies often come from Russian-speaking communities including Russians, Belarusians, and Ukrainians.
- Russia has also targeted Poland with sabotage, including a major fire in 2024 that destroyed a large shopping center in Warsaw.
- Russian intelligence is shifting to using more professional and secretive sabotage cells made up of former soldiers and mercenaries.
- Espionage efforts from Russia are intended to create social unrest, distract authorities, and damage key facilities.
- Polish officials say these actions allow Russia to deny responsibility while spreading influence cheaply across Europe.
- Intelligence experts view the use of disposable spies and sabotage cells as different but complementary tactics in Russian operations.
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