Krakow, Poland – Two Russian men accused of espionage and distributing propaganda material promoting the notorious Wagner mercenary group appeared in a Polish court on Wednesday.
The individuals, identified as Alexei T. and Andrei G., were arrested in August 2023 for allegedly spreading pro-Wagner leaflets and stickers in Warsaw and Krakow.
The accused were charged with distributing thousands of leaflets that encouraged recruitment for the Wagner Group, a paramilitary organization linked to Russia, which has a controversial history of involvement in conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and various parts of Africa.
The promotional materials featured slogans such as “We are here. Join us,” and included QR codes that linked to Russian recruitment websites for the mercenary outfit.
According to Poland’s counterintelligence agency, the propaganda was provided to the suspects in Moscow.
During Wednesday’s proceedings in a Krakow court, the pair were formally indicted on espionage charges, with the potential for each to face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
The court’s spokeswoman confirmed the commencement of the trial but refrained from providing additional details due to the sensitive nature of the case.
The arrests came against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Russia and Poland, especially as the war in Ukraine continues.
Poland, a NATO member and strong supporter of Ukraine, has taken a hard stance on Russian influence within its borders, prompting an increased focus on security measures against perceived threats from Russia.
The Wagner Group, founded by Yevgeny Prigozhin, had been widely regarded as a proxy force for the Kremlin, carrying out paramilitary operations often associated with Russia’s geopolitical interests.
However, after Prigozhin’s death in a plane crash in August 2023, which occurred shortly after an aborted mutiny in Russia, the group was disbanded and reorganized.
Despite these changes, Wagner remains a focal point for anti-Russian sentiment in Poland, where authorities are vigilant about curbing any support for the mercenary group.
Local media reported that the suspects had in their possession more than 3,000 leaflets at the time of their arrest.
The materials allegedly promoted the group and targeted potential recruits by providing information on how to join Wagner’s ranks.
Additionally, it was revealed that the two men were to be paid up to 500,000 rubles (approximately $5,000) for their activities, according to the counterintelligence agency.
The case has drawn attention not only due to the sensitive nature of espionage accusations but also because it highlights the ongoing efforts by Polish authorities to disrupt any form of Russian influence or recruitment efforts on its soil.
The Polish government has intensified counterintelligence operations and cracked down on individuals suspected of acting on behalf of Russian interests.
The charges against Alexei T. and Andrei G. come amid Poland’s broader strategy to safeguard its national security in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Polish officials have repeatedly expressed concern over the Wagner Group’s activities and potential threats to stability in Eastern Europe.
As the trial proceeds, the outcome could have wider implications for Polish-Russian relations and the handling of similar cases involving foreign nationals accused of engaging in intelligence activities or promoting Russian military interests.