Russia likely behind exploding parcels that threatened US flights: Poland

Prosecutors say evidence shows ‘high probability’ that Moscow is behind July blasts in courier depots in EU states.

Russian intelligence services are likely behind a series of parcels that exploded in courier depots across Europe, according to Polish prosecutors, in a case officials say could have caused an air disaster.

Western officials have previously said Russia has tried to destabilise allies of Ukraine with acts of sabotage.

The explosions in courier depots in Britain, Germany and Poland in July had the potential to develop into a serious escalation by causing an explosion on an aircraft.

Security officials have said the parcels were part of a plot that ultimately aimed to trigger explosions on cargo flights to the United States and Canada.

“The evidence collected in the case indicates a high probability that the discussed acts of sabotage … were inspired by Russian special services,” Polish Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Przemyslaw Nowak said in a statement emailed to the Reuters news agency.