Polish police have detained three Ukrainian hackers after discovering equipment that investigators say could be used for computer fraud and attacks on critical IT systems.
The men, aged 43, 42 and 39, were stopped during a roadside check in Warsaw. They told police they were traveling around Europe and had just arrived in Poland. They said they planned to head to Lithuania next.
Police searched the car and found what they described as advanced hardware. Officials say some of the devices could be used to interfere with systems linked to national defence. Officers also found a detector used to locate hidden surveillance tools.
Investigators said the three men had laptops, routers, cameras, mobile hard drives, many SIM cards, and other electronics. When asked what they planned to do with the gear, the men did not give clear answers. They said they were “IT specialists,” but police reported that they avoided detailed questions and pretended not to understand.
Prosecutors charged them with computer fraud and possessing hardware and software intended for criminal use. They also accused them of trying to damage protected IT data. A court agreed and ordered the men held for three months while the investigation continues.
Poland’s security minister recently warned that Russia has tried to recruit Ukrainians living in Poland for spying and sabotage. His warning came after two other Ukrainian nationals were arrested for allegedly gathering information on Polish military sites and supply routes.
