Russian-backed parcel bomb plot: 22 suspects identified after DHL fire near Birmingham
Investigators say parcels that ignited in the UK and Europe could have caused far worse damage if they had exploded mid-flight.
Last updated 6th Mar 2026
An investigation into a suspected Russian-backed parcel bomb plot across Europe has identified 22 suspects, according to authorities.
British and European agencies began working together after several self-igniting parcels were discovered in the UK, Germany and Poland.
One of the devices caught fire at a DHL depot near Birmingham in 2024.
Officials now say they are confident there was Russian involvement in the operation.
According to the European Union agency Eurojust, four parcels were sent from Lithuania to addresses in the UK and Poland.
Investigators believe the consequences could have been far more serious if the devices had ignited during flights.
One parcel caught fire at Leipzig airport in Germany shortly before it was due to be loaded onto an aircraft.
Authorities also identified two test packages sent to the United States and Canada, as well as two parcels found in Amsterdam that were intended for the same destinations.
Eurojust says 22 suspects in Lithuania and Poland have been identified and are believed to have been working on behalf of Russian military intelligence services.
Two cases have now been referred to courts in Lithuania and Poland, with trials expected later this year.
Investigators say those suspected of involvement were recruited from Russia, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Ukraine, often from what Eurojust described as “vulnerable socio-economic situations”.
They were allegedly given instructions through an online messaging service, with tasks divided between individuals and payments made using cryptocurrencies.
In the UK, counter-terrorism police arrested a 38-year-old Romanian man after the fire at the DHL depot near Birmingham.
He was detained after arriving at Stansted Airport and remains under investigation.
A UK Government spokesperson said Russia’s “ongoing hostile action puts our national security at risk” and that ministers have taken steps including expelling intelligence officers, sanctioning the GRU and targeting illicit finance.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, from Counter Terrorism Policing, said the work carried out by European partners had been “truly remarkable”.
She said cooperation across borders had helped investigators identify what they believe to be Russian military intelligence involvement in incidents across Europe.
She added the investigation is ongoing and officers continue to work with international partners to protect the public and disrupt national security threats.