Russian couple sentenced for espionage and bomb plot in Poland: Igor R. gets 7 years, Irina R. 3 years

Verdict in Sosnowiec

The District Court in Sosnowiec sentenced Russian citizens Igor R. and Irina R. to prison terms on 9 July 2026. Igor R. received seven years for espionage and involvement in sending a parcel containing explosives. Irina R. was given three years for aiding espionage. The verdict is not final and can be appealed. Neither defendant appeared in court for the reading of the sentence.

Espionage for the FSB

According to the National Prosecutor's Office, Igor R. collaborated with Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) from February to August 2022. He gathered information on Russian opposition activists living in Poland and on individuals and institutions supporting them. The data was stored on an encrypted electronic device and handed to Irina R., who was to deliver it to the FSB in Russia. Irina R. did not admit guilt but confirmed she knew of her husband's contacts with Russian intelligence.

The motion to exclude the public was motivated by state security concerns.

The bomb parcel

In July 2024, Igor R. worked with two Ukrainian citizens and one Russian to send a courier package containing explosives. The parcel was intercepted at a courier warehouse in Łódź Voivodeship. Forensic experts from the Internal Security Agency (ABW) found a powerful explosive (nitroglycerin), Soviet-made combat detonators, a rigged power bank as an initiator, a metal thermos with a cumulative liner, and powdered aluminium. The device formed a cumulative bomb capable of causing significant infrastructure damage.

Investigation and trial

The couple was arrested in July 2024 and has been in custody since. The indictment was filed in October 2025, and the trial began in January 2026. Proceedings were held entirely behind closed doors at the request of the prosecution, citing national security. The investigation was conducted by the Silesian branch of the National Prosecutor's Office and the Katowice delegation of the ABW.

Background

Before moving to Poland, Igor R. was active in Russian opposition circles and took part in protests against falsified elections. The case is among the most serious espionage and terrorist threat cases heard by Polish courts in recent years. Both defendants faced up to 15 years in prison.