On 28 June 2026, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) in cooperation with Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) detained a couple on suspicion of unlawful collection of information about Latvia’s defence sector on behalf of Russia’s military intelligence service (GRU).
Based on information provided by MIDD, the criminal case against these Latvian citizens was initiated on 27 June pursuant to Section 85 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Law, i.e., for collecting of non-disclosable and other information and transferring thereof to a foreign intelligence service on its behalf.
It was established during the investigation that the persons collected and transferred information to GRU on Latvia’s defence system, activities of NATO allies and different types of support towards Ukraine. The persons had also collected intelligence on the National Armed Forces Aviation Base, radar systems and movement of military aircraft. One of the persons had conducted reconnaissance of the Ādaži Military Base and taken aerial pictures of it using a small private airplane on behalf of GRU. In addition, the persons had carried out activities for potential support of reconnaissance-sabotage groups within the territory of Latvia.
On the day of the persons’ detention, VDD in cooperation with MIDD carried out criminal proceedings at three sites related to the persons in Riga and Ādaži. A large number of different types of data mediums as well as documents and notes were seized during the searches. An in-depth analysis of the items seized during the search is currently underway.
The suspects have been taken into custody as a security measure.
VDD in cooperation with MIDD currently continues the investigation and will provide additional information according to the course of the criminal case.
Information prepared by VDD
Illustrative photo, VDD
