On 16 August 2026, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) initiated a criminal case on the suspicion that on the night of 15 August three Latvian citizens had carried out an arson attack of the defence technology company "Milrem Robotics" in Estonia.
Based on the findings of the investigation, VDD detained two suspected Latvian citizens on 17 August, while the other one – on 18 August. All of the suspects have been taken into custody as a security measure. In addition, VDD conducted criminal proceedings at seven sites related to the persons – residences and vehicles – on the aforementioned dates.
VDD has seized a large number of different types of data mediums during the search and is currently analysing their contents. In the context of criminal proceedings, VDD has also seized objects that may have been used to set the building on fire.
The criminal case was initiated pursuant to Section 774 of the Criminal Law, i.e., on suspicion of providing assistance to a foreign state in action directed against another state. In addition, VDD incriminates the suspects with crimes stipulated in Section 185 Paragraph 2, i.e., intentional destruction of and damage to property of another by arson.
VDD is investigating this case in close cooperation with Estonian partner services.
VDD will provide more details about the findings of the investigation as soon as possible.
Information prepared by VDD
Illustrative photo: VDD
