Police investigate attempted arson of Starlink equipment in Vilnius

Lithuanian police have opened a pre-trial investigation into an attempt to set fire to Starlink communications equipment at a company in Vilnius, LRT reported, citing Police Department spokesperson Ramūnas Matonis.

The investigation concerns suspected damage to property by a method posing a danger to the public. The relevant Criminal Code provision carries penalties of a fine, restriction of liberty, arrest or up to five years in prison.

The attempt took place at about 2 a.m. on Sunday in Aukštieji Paneriai, where antennas and other infrastructure supporting Starlink communications were targeted. National Crisis Management Centre head Vilmantas Vitkauskas said the US company SpaceX rents premises from a Lithuanian company there. The infrastructure helps provide communications to residents, businesses and the military.

Vitkauskas said a successful arson attack would probably have caused some disruption, but other stations are available. The incident did not disrupt the company’s operations, cause major losses or interrupt Starlink service.

A National Security Commission meeting convened by the prime minister is due to discuss both the thwarted attempt and a drone incident reported on Sunday. An air alert was issued in Panevėžys and Šiauliai counties after an object entered Lithuanian airspace from Poland, then lifted about an hour later. The military said drone debris was found in Juodžioniai village. Authorities have not confirmed whether it carried explosives. Debris also damaged a car travelling on a road, but no passengers were injured.