Polish authorities have launched an investigation into the mishandling of military equipment after approximately 240 anti-tank mines were found at an IKEA warehouse.
The discovery has resulted in charges against four soldiers and the dismissal of a high-ranking military official.
According to Reuters, the incident dates back to the summer of 2024, when military personnel near Szczecin were unloading a train carrying military equipment. During the process, several crates containing anti-tank mines were mistakenly left behind.
These crates were later transported to an IKEA distribution center, where they were eventually discovered.
On January 9, 2025, Poland’s Ministry of Defense announced the dismissal of Major General Artur Kępczyński, head of the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate. While no official reason was provided, local media reports suggest that Kępczyński tried to cover up the mishap.
The Szczecin-Niebuszewo Military Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to the Polish news agency PAP that four soldiers are facing charges for negligence in handling military property. If convicted, they could face up to five years in prison.
Colonel Bartosz Okoniewski, Deputy Regional Military Prosecutor in Poznań, explained that the issue stemmed from accounting errors during the transfer of military assets. Part of the shipment, including the anti-tank mines, was left behind on the train and not accounted for until much later.
