Russian sabotage plan: Canada ‘deeply concerned’

The Canadian government says it has raised concerns directly with Russian officials after media reports this week revealed an alleged Russian sabotage operation. The alleged plot included plans to ship packages packed with flammable devices aboard flights destined for Canada and the United States.

“The Government of Canada is aware of and deeply concerned about Russia’s intensified campaign, from cyber incidents and disinformation operations to sabotage activities,” Public Safety Canada spokesperson Zarah Malik wrote in an emailed statement to CTV News.

Malik added that Canada directly expressed this concern to Russian officials, stating that any threat to the security of Canadians is “unacceptable.”

“While there is no imminent threat to Canadians at this time, Canadian national security and law enforcement agencies are working closely with our allies on this serious matter to keep Canadians safe,” she wrote.

Several American media, including The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), New York Times and Washington Posthas published reports of the alleged Russian plot, citing unnamed Western security officials.

The reports follow a statement released by Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office last month announcing an investigation and four arrests related to acts of sabotage linked to an unnamed foreign intelligence agency.

The WSJ reported Monday that Western security officials believe two incendiary devices ignited at DHL logistics hubs in July — one in Germany and one in England — were part of a covert Russian operation with the ultimate goal of starting fires aboard cargo or passenger planes , that flew. to the USA and Canada.

Media reports suggest the alleged plot was linked to the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency, but unnamed officials who spoke to The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal cautioned that it is unclear whether the operation was directed or authorized by the Kremlin.

A senior Canadian government source tells CTV News that it is unclear at this point whether the Russian plot is directly linked to the Kremlin and Russian intelligence, or whether the plot was hatched by rogue states, Russian agents.

Canada is awaiting US analysis, according to the senior government source.

According to polish declaration, the group associated with the alleged sabotage plot tested the transfer channel to the United States and Canada, where the incendiary devices would ultimately be sent.

Public Safety Canada says the Canadian government will continue to monitor the situation and take the necessary measures to protect Canadians.

“Transport Canada takes threats to aviation security very seriously and works closely with key national and international stakeholders, including law enforcement, airlines, airport authorities and Government of Canada security partners to respond to security incidents and ensure the safety of Canadians,” Malik said.

“Transport Canada remains on constant alert, working with partners to respond to threats to Canada’s aviation security and will take immediate action if safety or security concerns are identified.”

Last month, the director of Britain’s domestic intelligence service, known as MI5, Ken McCallum, said in a speech that Russia’s military intelligence was on “a sustained mission to wreak havoc on British and European streets: we’ve seen arson, sabotage and more.”

McCallum said Moscow turned to proxies to do their jobs.

With files from CTV News’ Vassy Kapelos and Reuters