Romania busts Russia-run sabotage network behind attempted arson at arms plant

“Evidence proves Russia’s responsibility for this unacceptable hybrid attack,” Neculaescu wrote.

“We also condemned Russia’s systematic strikes on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, a deliberate escalation violating international law and freedom of navigation, with global consequences.”

Digi24 reported that during the meeting with the ambassador, the Foreign Ministry said the evidence gathered by Romania’s intelligence service confirmed Russia’s responsibility.

The ministry called the incident unacceptable and warned of serious consequences for national security and public safety. It said the attack was a clear manifestation of hybrid warfare and part of an increasingly broad and sophisticated campaign that Russia is conducting or supporting against multiple European countries.

On Oct. 26, Romania’s Intelligence Service (SRI) said it had uncovered a sabotage network coordinated from Russia that was linked to the attempted arson at the Carfil arms plant in Brasov on Sept. 14.

The investigation confirmed that several nationals of former Soviet republics living in EU countries were involved in the attempted arson, the SRI said.

The intelligence service said court proceedings were underway in Romania and in cooperation with authorities in several European countries.

According to the agency, the network’s activities were not limited to Romania. Russian coordinators had assigned it a broad range of targets in the region, including state-owned and private arms manufacturers, as well as other sites of military and industrial importance, the SRI said.