Ukrainian sentenced for arson of IKEA store in Vilnius
Danilo Bardadim, a citizen of Ukraine, received a sentence of three years and four months in prison for the arson of an IKEA store in Vilnius on May 9, 2024.
The Lithuanian court found Bardadim guilty of preparing for terrorist acts, arson, and unlawful possession of explosives. The original sentence was five years, but it was reduced due to an expedited trial process, as the defendant pleaded guilty. At the time of arrest, the suspect was 17 years old.
The judge emphasized that Bardadim was engaged in deliberate criminal activities and also traveled to Lithuania and Latvia with the intention of committing terrorist acts. The prosecutor stated that the Ukrainian citizen planned another attack both in Lithuania and neighboring Latvia.
The defendant’s attorney stated that her client does not intend to appeal, but she did not rule out the possibility of changing his stance in the future.
According to RMF 24, Bardadim is also suspected of involvement in the arson of a shopping center in Warsaw, Poland, for which he faces up to ten years or even life imprisonment.
In October, Poland arrested three Ukrainians who, according to the investigation, were involved in arsons in Europe at Russia’s behest. In September, Lithuanian prosecutors demanded four years of imprisonment for Bardadim for the incident in Vilnius.
| Event | Date | Location | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA Arson | May 9, 2024 | Vilnius, Lithuania | 3 years and 4 months |
| Arson in Warsaw | – | Warsaw, Poland | Up to 10 years or life |
