German investigators have identified two suspected perpetrators of the drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport, one of whom, according to law enforcement, may be linked to Russia’s GRU.
This is reported by the German outlet WELT, citing investigation materials.
WELT journalists say they gained access to classified investigation files and spoke with senior representatives of Germany’s security agencies.
According to the outlet, the main suspects are Belarusian citizen Andriy Ka. and Russian citizen Oleg Le.
Investigators believe Le. was responsible for preparing and handling the logistics of the operation. German law enforcement also links him to Russia’s GRU.
According to WELT, Le. arrived in Germany via Turkey, flying into Berlin Brandenburg Airport. He later left the country via the same airport, flying to Serbia. He is currently in Russia.
Journalists note that German law enforcement were aware of a possible link to Russian intelligence even when he entered the country, but did not place him under surveillance after his arrival in Germany.
According to the investigation’s version, the attack was planned to involve three drones. Two of them were reportedly destroyed during take-off. The reasons for this are currently unknown.
The third drone reached an Antonov aircraft, but no explosion occurred.
Investigators believe the plan was to use around 1.8 kg of Semtex explosives in total. The aircraft that was the target of the attack had about 25,000 litres of aviation fuel.
In the investigators’ view, had detonation occurred it could have caused a powerful explosion, leading to significant damage to part of the airport.
WELT also obtained previously unpublished CCTV footage. It shows a drone lying directly next to the Antonov aircraft.
According to investigators, the explosive charge was hidden in a tin can. It failed to go off due to a faulty detonator.
A key piece of evidence in the investigation was DNA traces. Forensic experts found remnants of a glove with DNA traces on an antenna structure which, according to law enforcement, was used to control the drone.
These traces had already been recorded in Finland and Lithuania. There, Andriy Ka. had featured in cases involving ordinary criminal offences, including in Finland in a theft case.
Polish law enforcement also links Ka. to the arson attack on a DIY store in Łódź in the summer of 2024. The Polish prosecutor’s office is treating the incident as sabotage.
According to Polish investigators, a Russian trail was also evident in that case. Ka.’s involvement in the Leipzig attack is being viewed as a possible sign of coordination by Russian special services.
According to German authorities, the explosives for the attack may have been brought into Germany via Bulgaria and Serbia.
Investigators suspect they were transported in concealed cavities in lorries, after which they may have been hidden in underground storage sites.
Law enforcement identified several possible hiding places near Leipzig Airport. According to WELT, they were led to them by analysing information about a rented car used by one of the suspects.
What is known about the incident in Leipzig?
- The first drone was discovered on 4 August near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport. According to investigators, the drone was fitted with explosives and may have been intended to attack the aircraft.
- The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said that the Ukrainian company’s aircraft were not damaged and no one was injured.
- Another drone, according to a preliminary version, may have collided with a DHL cargo aircraft. Because the airport was closed, the aircraft was forced to go around.
- On 14 August, German investigators found a third drone that was likely connected to the failed attempt to attack Leipzig/Halle Airport. Traces of a military explosive substance were found nearby.
- On 1 September, Germany stated that Russia was directly involved in the hybrid attack.