On 8 February, at the border control point Pāternieki Latvian State Security Service (VDD) detained a person on suspicion of conducting provocative activities at memorial sites in Latvia and other Baltic countries on behalf of Russian intelligence and security service.
The detained person is a dual citizen of Estonia and Russia. On 8 February, VDD initiated a criminal case against the person pursuant to Section 811 of the Criminal Law, i.e. for assistance to a Russian intelligence and security service in action directed against Latvia.
VDD has obtained information that on 29 January 2024 in Tukums county, Džūkste parish the person, acting on behalf of a Russian intelligence and security service, desecrated the "Memorial Stone to Defenders of the Kurzeme Fortification – soldiers of the Latvian Legion" by pouring red paint on the memorial stone.
VDD investigates the case in close cooperation with Lithuanian and Estonian partner services, because it is suspected that the person has carried out similar activities at memorial sites also in other Baltic countries.
The suspect has been applied the security measure – arrest.
VDD will provide additional information on the course of the investigation according to the progress of the criminal case.
Information prepared by VDD
Illustrative photo by VDD
