Canada 'deeply concerned' after alleged Russian sabotage plot

The Canadian government says it has raised concerns directly with Russian officials after media reports this week revealed an alleged Russian sabotage operation. The alleged plot included plans to send parcels packed with incendiary devices aboard aircraft destined for Canada and the United States.

The Canadian government says it has raised concerns directly with Russian officials after media reports this week revealed an alleged Russian sabotage operation. The alleged plot included plans to send parcels packed with incendiary devices aboard aircraft destined for Canada and the United States.

“The Government of Canada is aware of and deeply concerned with Russia’s intensifying campaign, from cyber incidents and disinformation operations to sabotage activities,” wrote Public Safety Canada spokesperson Zarah Malik in an emailed statement to CTV News.

Malik added that Canada directly expressed this concern to Russian officials, stating that any threat to the safety of Canadians is “unacceptable."

“While there is no imminent threat to Canadians at this time, Canadian national security and law enforcement agencies are working in close co-operation with our allies on this serious matter to keep Canadians safe,” she wrote.

Multiple U.S. media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), The New York Times and The Washington Post, have published reports on the alleged Russian plot, citing unnamed Western security officials.

The reports follow a statement released by the Polish National Prosecutor’s Office last month, announcing an investigation and four arrests related to acts of sabotage linked to an unnamed foreign intelligence agency.

The WSJ reported Monday that Western security officials believe two incendiary devices, which ignited at DHL logistics hubs in July — one in Germany and one in England — were part of a covert Russian operation with the ultimate goal of starting fires aboard cargo or passenger planes flying to the U.S. and Canada.