Polish authorities have arrested a woman suspected of providing logistical support for the arson attack on a Starlink ground station that took place in September, according to RMF24 – fakty.
The suspect is believed to have served as a driver for two Turkish nationals who were detained earlier in connection with the sabotage operation. Polish prosecutors are now evaluating the precise nature of her involvement in the attack on the telecommunications installation before deciding whether to request her extradition to Poland.
The incident occurred on the evening of 23 September when a fire broke out at the ground station located in Wola Krobowska, a village in the Grójec district of Mazovia. The facility is operated by Exatel, Poland’s state-owned telecommunications provider, which plays a crucial role in delivering internet connectivity through Poland to Ukraine.
Two Turkish nationals awaiting extradition
Poland’s justice system has confirmed that two Turkish citizens carried out the arson attack. The suspects were apprehended by German law enforcement officers following a request from Polish authorities.
The foreign nationals, who are believed to have been acting on behalf of a foreign intelligence service whilst in Germany, are currently awaiting extradition to Poland to face charges.
Just two days after the fire, a prosecutor from the Mazovian division of Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation treating the incident as an act of sabotage and a terrorist offence committed on behalf of foreign intelligence.
Critical infrastructure for Ukraine support
The targeted Starlink ground station forms part of Poland’s strategic communications infrastructure supporting Ukraine. Exatel, as a state telecommunications operator, provides essential internet transit services that help maintain connectivity for Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.
Starlink satellite internet services have become vital for Ukrainian military and civilian communications, particularly in areas where traditional infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed by Russian attacks. Poland’s role in facilitating this connectivity makes such installations potential targets for hostile actors seeking to disrupt support for Ukraine.
The investigation into the attack continues as prosecutors work to establish the full network of individuals involved in planning and executing the sabotage operation.
What this means for Poles in Poland
This case underscores the reality that Poland has become a target for sabotage operations linked to foreign intelligence services, particularly in the context of the country’s support for Ukraine. The attack on critical telecommunications infrastructure demonstrates that such operations are not theoretical threats but actual security challenges facing Poland.
For ordinary citizens, the incident serves as a reminder that Poland’s strategic location and role in supporting Ukraine make it vulnerable to hostile activities. Authorities have urged vigilance, particularly around critical infrastructure sites. Anyone who observes suspicious activity near telecommunications facilities, military installations or other sensitive infrastructure should report it to local police or security services.
The prosecution of this case under terrorism and sabotage laws indicates that Polish authorities are treating such incidents with the utmost seriousness, with potential penalties for those convicted likely to include lengthy prison sentences. The cross-border nature of the investigation also highlights Poland’s cooperation with European partners in combating such threats.
