Russia’s GRU Linked to 2024 European Parcel Bombings

European police agencies have identified 22 individuals allegedly involved in a series of parcel bombings across Europe in 2024, with suspicion falling on Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency. The attacks, which targeted courier depots in Britain, Germany, and Poland, are believed by security officials to have been a potential test run for a larger plot aimed at disrupting cargo flights to the United States.

Investigation Details

A joint investigation conducted by detectives from Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Britain, and Lithuania revealed that the suspects were recruited from Russia, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Ukraine. Many of those recruited were described as being in vulnerable socio-economic situations, according to a statement released by Eurojust, the European Union’s justice cooperation agency .

Lithuanian authorities are prosecuting five suspects on terrorism charges, with potential sentences of up to 10 years in prison if convicted . The investigation began after four parcels containing homemade explosives were sent from Vilnius, Lithuania, on July 19, 2024 .

Timeline of Attacks

• Germany: One package sent via DHL caught fire at Leipzig airport shortly before being loaded onto a flight to the UK .
• Poland: A package exploded on a DPD truck crossing the border into Poland, while another failed to detonate due to a malfunction .
• United Kingdom: A package detonated at a DHL warehouse in Birmingham, England .

Test Packages and Further Investigation

Investigators as well discovered two “test packages” sent to the United States and Canada, as well as two packages in Amsterdam destined for the same countries . The devices used in the attacks were concealed within vibrating massage pillows and detonated by electronic timers .

Russian Denial

Moscow has consistently denied any involvement in the attacks and has dismissed accusations of wider sabotage campaigns as examples of “Russophobia” . Russia previously denied involvement in a 2024 IKEA fire in Vilnius, which authorities also linked to the same network .

Ongoing Investigations

Investigations are continuing across Europe and in the US and Canada to fully understand the scope of the operation and identify all those involved . British counter-terrorism officers are continuing to investigate the incident in Birmingham .