A Ukrainian and a Belarusian were convicted in Poland of spying for Russia, the Polish news agency (PAP) reported today.
The two convicts are among 16 foreigners – citizens of Belarus, Ukraine and Russia – who were detained by the Polish National Security Agency (Agencja Bezpieczeństwa Wewnętrznego/ABW) as part of an investigation into a spy network that collected information about the transfer of military equipment to Ukraine.
Polish authorities believe that Warsaw’s role in the campaign to support Kiev has made it a target for Russian spies and saboteurs.
A district court in Lublin sentenced 23-year-old Ukrainian Maxim L. to six years in prison and a fine of 15,000 zlotys (3,506 euros) for espionage, participation in a criminal organization and possession of cannabis.
Belarusian Ulanzislau P., aged 30, was sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison, as well as a fine of 10,000 zlotys (2,338 euros) for espionage and participation in a criminal organization.
Judge Miroslav Brozovski said the defendants’ participation in a criminal organization was indisputable. His goal, Brozovsky said, was to gather information about the type and amount of military equipment transported to Ukraine in order to reap financial benefits for themselves.
Maxim L. and Ulanzislau P. have the right to appeal the court’s verdict.
Other members of the gang were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 13 months to six years, according to the Polish news agency.
Source: RES/MPE