Counter terrorism experts call for vigilance in the warehouse

LAST WEEK reports abounded that a fire at the DHL depot in Midpoint Way, Minworth, Birmingham, on 22 July 2024, was being investigated as a suspected terrorism attack. Counter terrorism officers from the Metropolitan Police had been called in after an incendiary device in a parcel caused the fire. Although no one was hurt in the fire, which was quickly contained, the news came only days after a similar incident at a DHL depot in Leipzig, Germany, also in late-July. It is thought that both incidents are linked to Russian operatives.

In August this year the German federal criminal police known as BKA sent a letter to German companies and businesses warning that packages containing incendiary devices had caught fire en route across Europe and that more such parcels could be circulating.

Earlier this month MI5 director general Ken McCallum said: “The UK’s leading role in supporting Ukraine means we loom large in the fevered imagination of Putin’s regime, and we should expect to see continued acts of aggression here at home. The GRU in particular is on a sustained mission to generate mayhem on British and European streets: we’ve seen arson, sabotage and more. Dangerous actions conducted with increasing recklessness. And having precisely the opposite effect to what the Russian state intends, in driving increased operational coordination with partners across Europe and beyond.

“This concerted campaign requires a strong and sustained response. We’re working with the police to use the new National Security Act to its fullest extent. And the National Protective Security Authority, part of MI5, already works to strengthen our critical national infrastructure. We want to help others who may be at risk of attack. So, I urge businesses and public authorities to think about the risks you face. Seek out the NPSA guidance, which is informed by intelligence, to help you protect your people and your assets.”

In March this year was it reported that a Ukrainian owned warehouse in East London was subject to an arson attack instigated by the Russian backed Wagner Group. Suspects are now facing trial under new legislation created by the National Security Act 2023.

A DHL spokesperson said: “DHL Express Europe is taking risk mitigation actions to secure its network, staff and assets as well as customer shipments by implementing strengthened security measures across the European countries as a reaction to ongoing investigations by authorities from several countries.”