8 detained after attempted arson at Estonian defense company Threod Systems
Eight Latvian citizens have been detained after an attempted arson at Estonian unmanned aircraft systems manufacturer Threod Systems, which Estonia's domestic intellegence service has attributed to Russia.
Prosecutor General Astrid Asi said at a press conference on Sunday that there was an attempt to break into Threod Systems' property in Viimsi, north of Tallinn, to start a fire at 3.06 a.m. on Saturday (November 14).
The incident was thwarted thanks to the intervention of Threod's security team, Asi added.
Internal Security Service (KAPO) Director General Margo Palloson said counterintelligence had confirmed that Russia was behind the attempted attack and that it was coordinated by Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU.
"This was yet another attempt by Russia to carry out an act of sabotage in Estonia," he told the assembled media.
Palloson said no one was injured. The property has been damaged, but the company's production and delivery capabilities were not affected, he added.
Eight people have been detained, all residents of Latvia, by the Estonian Internal Security Service (KAPO) and the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA).
"The Prosecutor's Office submitted an application to the court for the arrest of five suspects. The task of the criminal proceedings now is to establish the circumstances surrounding the organization of the attack, the roles of those involved and possible links to other individuals," Asi added.
Palloson said Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) and Prosecutor's Office have contributed significantly to establishing the circumstances surrounding the case.
Threod Systems produces both long-range reconnaissance and attack drones.
This is the second known attempted arson attack on an Estonian defense company this year.
In August, a fire was reported at defense contractor Milrem's office in Tallinn's Lasnamäe district, which KAPO also attributed to the Russian special services. Several Latvian citizens were also arrested in connection with the case.
Several other defense industry companies across Europe have also been targeted in recent months.
KAPO has said Russia is aiming to sow fear in society and among businesses, disrupt and weaken defense industry companies' production and technological development, and prevent defense industry products and technology from reaching Ukraine.
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Editor: Helen Wright, Karin Koppel
