Three individuals, two Russians and a Ukrainian were arrested in Albania trying to force their way into an arms factory. Two Albanian soldiers were injured. Military police, as well as intelligence and counter-terrorism services, were dispatched to the scene to investigate the incident.
Two Russians and a Ukrainian tried to enter an arms factory in Albania by force, injuring two Albanian soldiers who blocked their way, the Ministry of Defense announced on Saturday evening. One of the suspects attacked guards who caught him taking pictures of the Gramsh factory (center), where unused weapons are dismantled, Defense Minister Niko Peleshi said on Sunday.
“Attempting to evade control, one of the Russian nationals, identified by the initials MZ, 24, used neuroparalytic spray on the two guards” monitoring the site, he added, while visiting the hospital to two soldiers with eye injuries.
“Take into account a broader regional and political context”
The man and two others, a 33-year-old Russian identified as ST and a 25-year-old Ukrainian identified as FA, who were waiting in a car outside the factory, were all arrested. “This event must be examined taking into account a broader regional and political context,” said Niko Peleshi. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said the three were “suspected of spying”.
Military police, as well as intelligence and counter-terrorism services, were dispatched to the scene to investigate the incident. Albania has been a member of NATO since 2009.