Canada expresses concerns to Russia after reports of plot to put incendiary devices on planes

The government of Canada has expressed concerns directly to Russia following reports that Moscow was behind a plot to put incendiary devices on planes flying to North America.

The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that Western security officials believe two incendiary devices were part of a Russian operation that aimed to start fires aboard cargo or passenger planes flying to the U.S. and Canada.

Both devices ignited at DHL logistics hubs in July — one in Leipzig, Germany and the other in Birmingham, U.K.

“The Government of Canada is aware of and deeply concerned with Russia’s intensifying campaign, from cyber incidents and disinformation operations to sabotage activities,” Public Safety spokesperson Tim Warmington said in a media statement on Tuesday.

“Canada has expressed this concern directly to Russian officials and unequivocally stated that any threat to the safety and security of Canadians is unacceptable.”

Last month, authorities in Poland announced they had arrested four people in connection with an alleged plot to mail explosives to Canada and the United States.

Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office said the group’s plans involved sending parcels containing camouflaged explosives and dangerous materials via courier companies to European Union countries and Great Britain.

“The group’s goal was also to test the transfer channel for such parcels, which were ultimately to be sent to the United States of America and Canada,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement.

WATCH | Poland arrests 4 in plot to mail explosives to Canada and U.S.

Authorities in Poland have arrested four people in connection with an alleged plot to mail explosives to Canada and the United States.

Although Polish officials said the plot was part of a test run with the goal of putting explosive devices on planes bound for the United States and Canada, the New York Times reported Tuesday that three Western officials briefed on intelligence about the operation said they could not confirm that was the intent.

“While there is no imminent threat to Canadians at this time, Canadian national security and law enforcement agencies are working in close cooperation with our allies on this serious matter to keep Canadians safe,” Warmington said in the statement.

The Times reported that the plot was organized by Russia’s military agency GRU. Its goal wasn’t entirely clear, the Times report said, adding it could have been to set fires at DHL logistics hubs, perhaps to deliver a warning.

But the Times reported Western intelligence agencies are also looking into whether Moscow intended something more sinister, such as destroying planes on U.S. runways, setting off bombs at U.S. warehouses or even blowing up aircraft mid-flight.

The Public Safety Canada spokesperson added that Transport Canada takes aviation security “very seriously” and works closely with law enforcement, airlines, airport authorities and security partners to ensure Canadians’ safety.

“Transport Canada remains in constant vigilance, works with partners to respond to threats to Canada’s aviation security and will take immediate action should safety or security issues be identified,” he said.

CBC News has also reached out to the RCMP for comment.