The key facts

  • The Starlink station in the village of Wola Krobowska near Warsaw was damaged by arson on September 23; no one was injured, and the station's operation was quickly restored.
  • Der Spiegel: the Turks detained on October 12 in Germany, Umit E. (38) and Muslim T. (34), may have been members of the group or carrying out its tasks; their extradition to Poland is being considered.
  • The possible Russian link is connected to Beratcan Gökdemi̇r, detained in Russia in 2024 and not extradited to Turkey; his current whereabouts are unknown.

Detentions in Germany and the Version of a Turkish Group

According to DW, citing Der Spiegel magazine, as part of the investigation into the fire at the Starlink station in Poland, two Turkish citizens were detained on October 12 in the German city of Nürtingen — 38-year-old Umit E. and 34-year-old Muslim T. Several law enforcement officials told the magazine that they may have been members of the criminal group or carrying out its tasks. The Stuttgart Higher Regional Court is expected to consider the question of their extradition to Poland.

Possible Russian Link

Der Spiegel linked the possible connection to Russia to the alleged leader of the group, Beratcan Gökdemi̇r. He was detained in Russia in 2024 but, despite Turkey's extradition request, was not handed over to Ankara. According to the publication, German intelligence services believe that Moscow may have granted him protection in return for services. Where Gökdemi̇r is now is unknown.

Fire at the Starlink Station

The Starlink station in the village of Wola Krobowska, located about 50 kilometers from Warsaw, was damaged as a result of arson on September 23. The fire engulfed an electrical substation and a generator. According to Bild, the station stopped working for a short time, after which its operation was restored. No one was injured.

Reaction of Polish Authorities and Continuation of the Investigation

Polish officials declared an attempted sabotage after the fire, but it was noted at the time that there was no evidence of direct Russian involvement. On October 13, two more people were detained as part of the investigation, including a woman. According to radio station RMF FM, a counter-terrorism operation was carried out in Berlin to detain her. According to initial assumptions, she may have provided the suspects with transportation and other logistical assistance.