Authorities in Croatia have detained a second suspect linked to the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions. The individual, identified as a Ukrainian diving expert, is accused of placing explosives on the pipelines in the Baltic Sea.

Croatian investigators have apprehended a second suspect in connection with the September 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. The suspect, identified as Ukrainian national Volodymyr S., is alleged to have been one of the divers who planted explosives on the pipelines at a depth of 80 meters in the Baltic Sea. The operation is believed to have been carried out from a sailboat.

Volodymyr S. had previously been on the radar of German authorities, who had requested his arrest in Poland last year. However, Polish authorities declined to extradite him, leading to diplomatic tensions. After his release, investigators tracked him down in Croatia, where he was recently detained. Germany is now seeking his extradition to face charges related to the attack.

The Nord Stream explosions caused significant damage, destroying three of the four pipelines and disrupting a major energy supply route. Investigators have identified a team of suspects, including a Ukrainian man believed to be the group’s leader, who is set to stand trial in Hamburg in the coming weeks. While the mastermind behind the operation remains unclear, security officials suspect a former Ukrainian intelligence officer of orchestrating the attack. Evidence, including vehicle records and traces of military-grade explosives, has been critical in advancing the investigation.