Polish officials announced that the massive fire that destroyed Warsaw’s Marywilska 44 shopping center in May 2024 was an act of arson ordered by Russian intelligence.

The blaze, which devastated 1,400 shops—many run by Vietnamese vendors—was part of a broader sabotage campaign, authorities said.

Some suspects are in custody, others are being pursued, and Poland is cooperating with Lithuania in the investigation, CNN has reported.

The case has raised further alarm over alleged Russian covert operations aimed at destabilizing Europe.

Written by B.C. Begley