Parcel Bombs in Spain Linked to Russian Far-right Group

At the beginning of December 2022, five parcel bombs were sent to high-profile targets in Spain. The targets were the Prime Minister’s residence, the U.S. and Ukrainian embassies, a weapons manufacturer (involved in the supply of weapons to Ukraine), and an airforce base.

No one was killed; however, one person was injured in the incident.

More recently, U.S. intelligence agencies reported that they believe the parcel bombs were sent by the Russian Imperial Movement (RIM) at the direction of Russian intelligence services.

RIM is an extreme-right white supremacist group that has been designated a terrorist group by the U.S. RIM is based in St. Petersburg, Russia, and is known to maintain contact with the neo-Nazi and white supremacy groups in the U.S. and across Europe.

It is known that some Europeans have traveled to Russia to receive paramilitary training from the group, and there are unconfirmed reports that U.S. nationals have done the same.

In addition, some RIM members have fought alongside pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine and have been involved in conflicts in Libya and Syria. Given the targets of the parcel bomb attacks, they are likely related to the Ukraine war.

There is also a credible risk of further similar incidents involving firearms or IEDs with similar targets, including diplomatic missions, military installations, or weapons manufacturers that can be associated with the war in Ukraine.

Additionally, because of the group’s links to other extreme-right groups in Europe and the U.S., there is a risk of Russia encouraging more typical far-right attacks against minority communities, law enforcement, or political officials to increase social unrest and discontent within countries supporting Ukraine.

The main trigger for those would be an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine or a significant increase in the supply of advanced weapons systems and other material support to Ukraine.

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