Estonia arrests three suspects in Milrem Robotics arson probe
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Estonian authorities detained three people in Latvia suspected of setting fire to a Milrem Robotics building in Tallinn on the night of August 14-15. Two suspects have been placed under arrest, and prosecutors are seeking the arrest of a third. Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the state is investigating whether Russia was behind the arson.
Key Facts
- Three suspects were detained in Latvia in connection with the arson at Milrem Robotics in Tallinn.
- Two of the suspects have been placed under arrest, and prosecutors plan to seek the arrest of a third.
- The fire occurred on the night of August 14-15 and caused no injuries.
- Milrem Robotics CEO Kuldar Väärsi said the fire did not affect production or supply chains.
- Prime Minister Kristen Michal said Estonia is investigating whether Russia was involved in the arson.
Arrests and Investigation
Estonian state prosecutor Gardi Anderson announced the detentions on Wednesday, August 19. The investigation does not rule out that the incident was an act of sabotage, Anderson said. The citizenship and names of the suspects have not been disclosed. Law enforcement agencies in both Estonia and Latvia are working on the suspects' extradition to Estonia.
Company and Government Response
Milrem Robotics develops unmanned ground military vehicles, some of which are used in Ukraine. CEO Kuldar Väärsi told Reuters that the company expects to have more than 200 robotic systems in Ukraine by the end of 2026. Prime Minister Kristen Michal said on August 18 that the state is investigating whether Russia was involved in the arson. Michal stated that if the goal was to intimidate Estonia or stop support for Ukraine, it would not succeed. Estonian authorities have not publicly presented evidence of Russian involvement, and the Russian Embassy in Estonia did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.
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Estonia arrests three suspects in Milrem Robotics arson probe
