American Citizen Among Three Arrested in Suspected Terrorist Arson Attack on Czech Drone Factory
LPP Holding has repeatedly denied the allegations, stating that “no Israeli drones have ever been manufactured at our facility” and that the Elbit partnership was explored but cancelled years ago with no production ever occurring.
Tommy Flynn
A group calling itself the “Earthquake Faction” claimed responsibility in letters sent to Czech media outlets. The group alleged the facility was a “key manufacturing hub” for Israeli weapons and accused LPP Holding of supplying drones to Israel for use in Gaza. The claim was tied to a planned but never-realized 2023 cooperation agreement between LPP Holding and Israeli firm Elbit Systems.
LPP Holding has repeatedly denied the allegations, stating that “no Israeli drones have ever been manufactured at our facility” and that the Elbit partnership was explored but cancelled years ago with no production ever occurring. The company confirmed its primary work involves supplying AI-guided drones to Ukraine’s military.
One of the arrested suspects is Youssef Moursi, an Egyptian-born U.S. citizen and student living in the Czech Republic with reported ties to pro-Palestinian and far-left activist groups. Two other suspects, Czech nationals, were detained in the Czech Republic. A third suspect was arrested in Slovakia and faces extradition to the Czech Republic.
All three face charges of committing a terrorist act and participating in a terrorist group. Czech courts have ordered the two local suspects held in custody pending further proceedings.
Interior Minister Lubomir Metnar described the incident as “likely… related to a terrorist attack” based on early evidence. Police have not ruled out foreign coordination or influence behind the sabotage.
The arrests come amid heightened security concerns for European defense contractors supporting Ukraine. Similar activist sabotage attempts have occurred at facilities linked to arms production for Israel or Ukraine in Germany and the United Kingdom in recent years, though none previously reached this scale in the Czech Republic.
Czech police said the investigation remains active and that additional arrests or charges are possible. No injuries were reported in the fire.