Polish police have detained three Ukrainian citizens after discovering a cache of sophisticated hacking and spy-detection equipment in their vehicle. The men, aged 39, 42, and 43, were stopped by officers from the Warsaw Śródmieście district during a routine traffic control on Senatorska Street.
The investigation revealed tools capable of interfering with IT systems and committing serious cyber-related crimes.
During the stop, the officers checked the men’s identification and noticed signs of nervousness. In interviews, the suspects admitted to “traveling around Europe,” having just arrived in Poland and planning to head to Lithuania. The vehicle was subsequently searched thoroughly, uncovering a range of equipment including:
- Advanced FLIPPER hacking tools
- Spy device detectors
- Antennas capable of disrupting IT systems
- Laptops and portable hard drives
- SIM cards and routers
- Cameras and other electronic devices
The items were considered potentially dangerous to the country’s strategic IT and telecommunications infrastructure.
Evidence Analysis and Investigation by Polish police
All seized electronic devices were handed over to the Warsaw Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime (CBZC) for examination. Although the data storage devices were encrypted, investigators were able to decode and gather evidence thanks to swift action from the CBZC.
During further questioning, the suspects claimed to be IT specialists. However, their answers were inconsistent, and they struggled to explain the purpose of the equipment. At times, they pretended not to understand English when asked specific questions.
Criminal investigators from Warsaw’s Property Crime Department are exploring the circumstances surrounding their entry into Poland, their travel intentions, and the potential use of the seized devices. The case remains under active investigation.
Charges and Court Action
The three men face multiple charges including:
- Fraud
- Computer fraud
- Possession of devices and computer programs adapted for criminal activities
- Attempted damage of computer data of particular importance to national defense
Following the investigation, the Warsaw Śródmieście-Północ District Prosecutor’s Office requested preventive measures, and the court granted three-month pretrial detention for all three suspects. The proceedings continue under the supervision of the District Prosecutor’s Office.
Police Statement and Context
Polish police emphasized their ongoing efforts to protect national security and public safety. Officers from the Intelligence and Patrol Department of the Warsaw I District Police Headquarters demonstrated rapid and professional response, highlighting the importance of vigilance in detecting potential threats posed by individuals carrying specialized IT and surveillance equipment.
The authorities are exploring all possible scenarios regarding the suspects’ activities in Poland and across Europe, and the case underscores growing concerns about cross-border cybercrime and the misuse of advanced digital technologies for illegal purposes.