On Thursday, Italy's government palace and a train station in France were threatened with bombs. On Wednesday, thousands of schools in Italy, Ireland and Scotland received emails containing bomb threats. Similar threats have previously been made against European television companies, Irish media outlets and a large number of flights.
The common denominator is the sender, "Michail Andropov".
"It is really impossible to say whether the same person or group is behind it," Panu Moilanen, a senior lecturer specializing in security and strategic analysis at the University of Jyväskylä, tells TT.
He considers it relatively likely that the threats came from the same sender. But it is also well documented that copycats emerge in such situations, he points out.
Wants to imply a Russian connection
He believes the purpose of using the name "Michail Andropov" is to imply a connection to Russia, whether or not the sender has one.
Bomb threats targeting schools or air travelers are an effective way to provoke a strong reaction with little effort. People get scared and change their behavior, while the threats lead to police intervention, canceled flights and school evacuations.
"I think the main purpose is to create uncertainty and anxiety, and also to consume society's resources," says Panu Moilanen.
It is difficult to determine whether there is a connection to Russia.
"You can never say who is behind it - or you can only say it very late, maybe several years after it has happened. I would not classify it as a Russian operation, but I can say that it is possible that it is a Russian operation."
Fears more threats
He fears that we will see more similar incidents in the future.
"The most important thing for us ordinary citizens is to stay calm, to be aware that things like this happen, but try not to be afraid. It may be difficult, but it is the only thing we can do. And then the authorities can do what needs to be done."
What do you think?