The arrest of Alexander Bezrukavyi in Bosnia and Herzegovina reveals a Russian sabotage network in Europe

The arrest of Russian citizen Alexander Bezrukavyi in Bosnia and Herzegovina has uncovered a vast sabotage network linked to Russian intelligence services and operating across Europe. Bezrukavyi, who is known for his criminal past, is suspected of being involved in a plot to send packages of disguised explosives to various countries, including the US and Canada.

According to the British daily newspaper The Guardian, Bezrukavyi’s arrest was the first step in dismantling this organized criminal structure, which is believed to be under Russian patronage. He was on the run from Croatia and spent two days walking through the forests of north-western Bosnia to enter the country’s territory.

After sending a message to his wife promising her a speedy reunion in Russia, Bezrukavyi tried to arrange a return using forged documents and a flight from Serbia.

On November 16, 2024, Bezrukavyi was arrested by the police of the Una-Sana canton in Bosanska Krupa in cooperation with the Secret and Security Agency (OSA). He had entered Bosnia and Herzegovina illegally from Croatia using forged Spanish documents.

Polish investigators suspect that Bezrukavyi was involved in a plot to send explosive devices to the USA and Canada – an action that would represent a significant escalation of Moscow’s alleged sabotage campaign of the last three years.

The case is said to have been pursued to the highest levels of US intelligence agencies, while senior officials in former President Joe Biden’s administration have called on Moscow to stop these actions.

Bezrukavyi is also suspected of having trained Moldovan citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina to organize protests and unrest in Moldova with the aim of destabilizing the country’s pro-European government. This is part of a broader strategy by Russia to influence democratic processes in Eastern European countries.

The Polish authorities welcomed Bezrukavyi’s arrest and extradition to Poland as a serious blow to Russia’s sabotage activities in Europe. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that this step confirms Russia’s attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of Western countries.

Criminal past and escape route

According to Russian documents, Bezrukavyi was wanted for numerous criminal offenses, including illegal possession of weapons, robbery and drug trafficking. He was active in Donetsk and smuggled cigarettes from separatist-controlled areas to Russia. He then moved to Ukraine, where he stayed for a time during the war, and then made his way to Bosnia via Moldova, Croatia and Spain.

In Spain, he had obtained a residence permit through a sham marriage, and in Warsaw he established contacts with Ukrainian collaborators. They used the Telegram platforms to secure paid jobs in cryptocurrencies, which ultimately led to them becoming part of a sabotage network./Gazeta Express/