Polish police have detained a 55-year-old Russian national suspected of cooperating with a foreign intelligence agency. The man had been taking photos of passing trains and railway infrastructure in Świdnica, a city in southern Poland. Upon inspection, investigators discovered hundreds of thousands of files on his electronic devices, documenting transport sites and other critical locations, including some outside of Poland. A court has ordered him to be held in custody for three months. This case arises amid growing concerns over potential espionage and sabotage targeting critical infrastructure across Europe.
Man Caught Photographing Trains at Railway Crossing
The detention occurred in Świdnica, in southern Poland, after police noticed the 55-year-old man taking photos near a railway crossing, capturing passing trains and nearby railway equipment.
After approaching him, officers found him in possession of professional photographic equipment and additional electronic devices. Their check of his belongings revealed it was far more than just a few random snapshots.
According to Polish police, the seized storage devices contained hundreds of thousands of files on similar subjects. The photographs documented various locations, transport sites, and key infrastructure objects, both in Poland and abroad.
The sheer scale of the collected material raised suspicions that the man may have been systematically documenting strategically important sites. Police stated that the gathered photographs could be used in ways that threaten state security.
Investigators Seized Computers, Phones and Cameras
Following the arrest, investigators focused primarily on the content of the electronic devices and the origin of the amassed photographs.
Specialists from the Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime in Wrocław joined local police in analyzing the confiscated memory media and other equipment.
According to police, the seized items included:
- mobile phones,
- laptops and computer devices,
- large-capacity portable and external hard drives,
- professional photographic equipment,
- other electronic gear,
- several different identity documents.
Investigators are working to determine the actual purpose behind gathering these photographs, who might have been the intended recipients, and whether there were ties to any particular foreign intelligence service.
A simple photograph of a railway or train is not, by itself, proof of espionage. The context, the type of documented objects, the breadth of the activity, and any intent to deliver the information to unauthorized parties are decisive factors.
Russian Charged With Cooperating With Foreign Intelligence
The Polish prosecutor has charged the 55-year-old man under Article 130, Section 1 of the Polish Penal Code, which concerns activities in favor of a foreign intelligence service against the Republic of Poland.
Investigators allege that the man photographed railway and transport infrastructure, as well as industrial sites, with the intent to provide the acquired materials to a foreign intelligence agency.
The court agreed with the prosecutor’s request for pre-trial detention, ruling that the suspect will remain in custody for the next three months.
Polish police noted that, upon conviction, this crime carries a minimum prison sentence of five years.
It is important to note that the man is currently only a suspect and has been charged, but his guilt has not been legally established. The court will determine his criminal responsibility.
Why Are Polish Railways Under Heightened Scrutiny?
The arrest of the Russian citizen comes at a time when Poland is paying special attention to protecting its railway network and other strategic assets.
Due to the war in Ukraine, the country plays a crucial logistical role. Traffic, including material and military aid for Kyiv, transits its territory eastward. Railway links are therefore vital not only for regular passenger and freight transport, but also for the security interests of Poland and its allies.
Polish security services have previously investigated suspicious activity near rail lines. In November 2025, the country dealt with damage to railway infrastructure on the route connecting Warsaw to Ukraine. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described it at the time as sabotage and indicated suspicion of Russian intelligence involvement.
Following these incidents, Poland has intensified security on railways and at other critical sites.
For a broader perspective on security, see the article “Europe Faces a Wave of Sabotage. Security Services Warn of Escalation Risks.”
Espionage and Sabotage Are a Growing Issue For Europe
The Świdnica case is not the only recent incident exposing the vulnerability of Europe’s critical infrastructure.
Security services across various European countries are investigating suspicions of cyberattacks, damage to strategic sites, collection of sensitive data, and activity by people who may be working with foreign intelligence services.
Particular attention is being paid to railways, energy facilities, telecommunications hubs, and military assets. Disrupting or damaging their operations can have consequences far beyond any single location.
Rail infrastructure is especially sensitive because its functioning relies on many interconnected elements. The failure of a single vital section can impact passenger travel, supplies, and the movement of strategic materials.
This is why detailed information on the locations, technical parameters, or transport routes can be of security significance.
Other European states are facing similar risks. We previously reported on the investigation into possible damage to Polish communications infrastructure in the article “Starlink Fire in Poland Investigated as Sabotage. Russia Not Yet Accused.”
Moscow Denies Allegations of Espionage Operations
Poland has repeatedly raised suspicions that Russian intelligence services may use individuals with foreign citizenship to gather information.
According to Polish officials, such activities may include surveillance of military sites, transport routes, and strategic objects. Some of the cases under investigation also involve suspicions of sabotage planning.
Moscow, however, rejects all accusations of espionage and sabotage operations on Polish territory. In the current case, it also cannot yet be conclusively established that the detained man has any direct links to Russian state authorities without supporting evidence.
Investigators now face the task of clarifying the purpose of the collected photographs, their possible recipients, and the circumstances under which the man obtained the materials.
What Happens Next?
The 55-year-old Russian is set to remain in custody for the next three months. Polish authorities will continue to analyze the seized electronic devices and gather further evidence.
A key focus of the investigation is to determine whether the photographs constituted merely private documentation or were part of a systematic intelligence-gathering activity for a foreign agency.
The inquiry may also reveal whether the man acted alone or had contacts with other individuals.
This case highlights that protecting critical infrastructure involves more than just physical security. Detection of suspicious activity, verification of collected information, and coordination among security services are equally vital in the current security environment.
Polish authorities have not yet disclosed all details of the investigation. What matters most is whether the suspicions that led to the charges can be substantiated.
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
