Two Latvians and Ukrainian suspected of attempted arson at drone factory in Slovakia
Two Latvians and a Ukrainian are suspected of preparing to set fire to the Skyeton factory in Slovakia (Photo: facebook.com/policiaslovakia)
Two Latvian citizens and a Ukrainian were detained on suspicion of attempting to set fire to a Slovak factory operated by Ukrainian drone maker Skyeton, Reuters reported on Aug. 28.
A German prosecutor told the agency that one of the suspects, a 26-year-old Latvian citizen, was detained in Hamburg. His extradition is now under consideration.
Two other suspects, a Latvian citizen and a Ukrainian citizen, were detained in Slovakia. All three remain in custody while the investigation continues.
On Aug. 25, Slovak police said they had thwarted a planned arson attack on a drone manufacturing plant in eastern Slovakia.
According to law enforcement officials, authorities learned of the planned attack through information provided by the Slovak Information Service and military intelligence. Three foreign nationals were subsequently detained on suspicion of preparing an act of sabotage.
During the operation, police seized a large quantity of an incendiary mixture. According to preliminary expert findings, it consisted of gasoline and polystyrene. Law enforcement officials said such a mixture is commonly used to make napalm.
On Aug. 27, Slovak prosecutors said the three men detained a day earlier had planned to set fire to a plant operated by Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton.
A little-known group describing itself as supporters of a “peace movement” claimed responsibility for the planned attack.
Skyeton produces drones for both civilian and military use in Ukraine and other countries. According to prosecutors, the company’s plant in Slovakia was the intended target.
Skyeton suggested that Russia could be behind the plot. The company said Moscow regularly seeks to target not only Ukrainian production facilities but also the reputation of defense companies.
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