Slovak police have arrested three people suspected of planning an arson attack on a drone manufacturing facility in eastern Slovakia, authorities said.
Police detained two suspects in Slovakia and German authorities arrested a third after Slovakia issued a European arrest warrant. Investigators believe the suspects planned the attack as accomplices acting on instructions from another person.
None of the three suspects hold Slovak nationality, according to police. Authorities said Slovak intelligence provided information that helped officers prevent the alleged attack.
Police Say Drone Facility Attack Could Have Caused Major Damage
Police said the planned attack could have caused a large fire and put workers at serious risk.
Around 70 employees could have been inside the facility when the suspects allegedly planned to carry out the attack. Authorities warned that the incident could have threatened lives and caused extensive property damage.
Police have not identified the drone manufacturer targeted by the suspected plot.
Officers seized what they described as a large quantity of incendiary material, along with tools and several electronic devices.
Investigators also recovered mobile phones, an action camera and a hand-drawn plan during the operation.
German Authorities Arrest Third Suspect
Slovak authorities worked with German law enforcement during the investigation.
Police arrested two suspects inside Slovakia. German authorities later detained the third person after receiving the European arrest warrant issued by Slovakia.
Investigators believe the three suspects acted together while allegedly following instructions from another individual.
Police have not disclosed who may have ordered the suspected attack or what motive may have driven the plan.
Authorities also released photographs from the operation. The images appeared to show items including pliers, a bottle resembling hand gel and a battery pack.
Investigation Into Suspected Arson Plot Continues
Slovak police said the investigation remains active as officers work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged plot.
Authorities have not released further information about the suspects or the intended target. They also have not said whether additional arrests could follow.
The case comes as European authorities continue to monitor security threats involving critical industrial facilities and companies connected to drone production.
For now, Slovak investigators are examining the evidence recovered during the operation and working with international partners to determine who allegedly organised the planned attack.
