Polish and Belarusian suspects of espionage

Poland has formally charged two individuals—a 19-year-old Belarusian man and a 44-year-old Polish citizen—with espionage on behalf of Belarus. The case, which emerged in late 2025, highlights the growing tensions between Poland and Belarus, particularly concerning the activities of Belarusian dissidents living in Poland. According to reports from Polish media outlets such as *Notes from Poland*, *TVN24*, and *Polsat News*, the suspects were arrested on June 25, 2025, in Warsaw by officers from the Internal Security Agency (ABW). Their alleged involvement in intelligence operations for Belarus has sparked significant concern among Polish authorities, who claim the activities were aimed at undermining national security and supporting the regime of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

The two men, identified as Aliaksei B. (a Belarusian national) and Rafał G. (a Polish citizen), are accused of participating in organized events held by the Belarusian diaspora in Warsaw. These events, often involving political demonstrations or cultural gatherings, were reportedly used as cover for covert operations. According to statements issued by the ABW and the National Prosecutor's Office, the suspects allegedly recorded participants during these events and transmitted the footage to Minsk. The materials, according to officials, were then used by Belarusian intelligence agencies for propaganda purposes and to exert pressure on the diaspora community. The suspects are also accused of recruiting individuals via the Telegram messaging platform to engage in sabotage activities, including photographing critical infrastructure such as power stations, bridges, and other strategic sites.

The alleged activities spanned from March 2024 to February 2025, with both suspects reportedly receiving payment in cryptocurrency for their roles. This method of financial transaction underscores the sophisticated nature of the alleged espionage network, which appears to operate beyond traditional means. The ABW emphasized that the operation was part of a broader pattern of foreign interference, noting that similar tactics had previously been attributed to Russian intelligence. In a related development, in November 2025, five additional individuals—including three Belarusians and two Ukrainians—were arrested in connection with the same investigation. One of the suspects was a minor, and the case remains active with the possibility of further arrests.

Belarus has responded to the allegations by protesting against Poland’s plans for a public demonstration in Warsaw, scheduled for August 2025, which is being organized by opposition groups within the country. Minsk has labeled the event as "destructive" and warned that it could harm bilateral relations, threatening potential retaliatory measures. This tension reflects the broader geopolitical climate, wherein Belarusian dissidents in Poland have become a focal point of diplomatic friction. With approximately 140,000 Belarusians residing in Poland, many of whom are critics of Lukashenko’s authoritarian rule, the issue of their safety and freedom of expression has long been a sensitive topic.

The legal consequences for the two suspects remain pending. Aliaksei B. has been held in temporary custody for three months, while Rafał G. faces restrictions on leaving the country and is under police surveillance. If found guilty, both could face up to five years in prison. The ABW has stated that the case is ongoing, and further investigations into the network of suspected spies continue. As the situation develops, the implications for Poland-Belarus relations—and the rights of Belarusian communities abroad—are likely to remain a subject of intense scrutiny.