On 30 December 2025, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) made the decision to ask the Prosecution Office to initiate criminal prosecution against a Latvian citizen in connection with illegal collection of information about the Latvian defence sector on behalf of the Russian military intelligence service (GRU).
Based on information provided by the Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD), VDD initiated the criminal case against this individual on 14 October 2025 pursuant to Section 85 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Law, i.e., for illegal collecting of non-disclosable and other information and transferring thereof to a foreign intelligence service on its behalf.
The investigation revealed that the Latvian citizen had obtained and passed on to the GRU information about private infrastructure used for aviation in the territory of Latvia, for example, Spilve Airport, the presence of NATO allied forces in the country and various developments in the defence sector. The person had also passed the GRU information about the public mood in Latvia, aid provided to Ukraine and critical infrastructure objects in the territory of Latvia.
In addition, the suspect, on behalf of the Russian intelligence service, obtained practical information, such as the terms of purchasing prepaid mobile phone cards in Latvia, namely, whether it is possible to purchase them without revealing one’s identity.
During the investigation VDD found that the person maintained conspirative contacts with a Russian GRU officer and passed on the collected information whilst meeting in the territory of Russia. In this instance, the espionage on behalf of Russia had an ideological motivation.
VDD, in cooperation with MIDD, detained the suspect on the night of 18 October 2025. The person has been taken into custody as a security measure.
VDD reminds that no person shall be considered guilty until the guilt of such person has been determined in accordance with the procedures laid down in law.
Information prepared by VDD
Illustrative photo: VDD
