European Cargo Fires Linked to Russian Plot Against United States, Canada
Two small explosions at air freight logistics hubs in Europe earlier this year are linked to Russia, according to a story initially reported by The Wall Street Journal. The devices that caused the explosions were reportedly part of a plot to test how to start fires aboard planes carrying cargo to the United States and Canada.
Small explosions at DHL shipping hubs in Leipzig, Germany, and Birmingham, England, in July were linked to Russian intelligence sources, according to the Journal. In the incidents, saboteurs inserted highly flammable substances into electric massagers. The devices ignited while on the ground, though authorities believed the intent was for them to ignite while in transport.
“Security officials say the electric massagers, sent to the U.K. from Lithuania, appear to have been a test run to figure out how to get such incendiary devices aboard planes bound for North America,” the Journal reported.
Authorities arrested people accused of being involved in the incidents in Lithuania and Poland, and authorities from both countries tied the incidents to Russian intelligence operations.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the Journal, “We have never heard any official accusation. These are traditional unsubstantiated insinuations from the media.”
DHL uses both all-cargo as well as traditional passenger airplanes to deliver cargo. German authorities tested replicas of the devices used in the incidents and concluded that fire suppression systems in airplane cargo holds would likely not extinguish a fire caused by the devices.
In addition to authorities from Germany, Lithuania, and Poland, the Journal quoted sources from British intelligence. All the sources pointed to a disturbing increase in Russian efforts to sabotage Western infrastructure.
“Downing commercial passenger or cargo planes would be a big step up,” the Journal reported, “and some Western intelligence agencies have questioned whether such a plot could be the result of Russian spies carrying out a plan without the full authorization of the Kremlin, according to people familiar with the matter.”
No U.S. officials were identified as sources in the Journal, however, The Washington Post story reported:
“A spokesperson for the U.S. Transportation Security Administration said in a statement that the agency had implemented additional security measures to prevent sabotage involving U.S.-bound cargo shipments.
‘We continually adjust our security posture as appropriate and promptly share any and all relevant information with our industry partners, to include requirements and recommendations that help them reduce risk,’ the spokesperson said.”
Other Security News to Note
A fact that likely has not escaped anyone’s attention: it is Election Day in the United States.
Since this election potentially has major security implications, here are a few election-security resources, beginning with our Security Management collection published in the run-up to the election:
- Focus on Election Security and Civil Unrest, Security Management
- 74 Percent of U.S. Adults Worry 2024 Election Results Could Lead to Violence, Security Management’s Today in Security
- On a Screen Near You: Officials Are Livestreaming the Election Process for More Transparency, Associated Press
- How to Talk to Your Team the Day After the Election, Harvard Business Review
- On Telegram, a Violent Preview of What May Unfold on Election Day and After, The New York Times
- The Post-Election Threats You Need to Prepare for, According to Experts, Cyberscoop
- Joint Statement from CISA and EAC in Support of State and Local Election Officials, CISA and ESA
- The Risk of Election Violence in America is Real, The Economist
