On 13 and 14 November 2026, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) provided support to Estonian Internal Security Service (KAPO) in preventing an act of sabotage, namely arson, against the defence industry company "Threod Systems" in Estonia, which manufactures unmanned aerial vehicles.
VDD obtained and provided risk information to Estonian partner service KAPO regarding possible plans to carry out sabotage in Estonia, and the services immediately launched jointly coordinated activities to prevent the potential criminal offence. As a result of the close cooperation between the two services, a total of eight Latvian nationals were detained on Estonian territory on the night of 14 November, and an attempted act of sabotage against the aforementioned company was thwarted.
At the same time, on 14 November, VDD carried out criminal proceedings at nine sites in Latvia linked to the suspects. During the searches, explosive devices, pyrotechnic articles and ammunition were seized, as well as a large amount of mobile phones and other data storage devices.
VDD assesses that the goals of Russia-organised sabotage acts are aimed at escalating tensions and fear in the public, and delaying support to Ukraine.
Information available to VDD indicates that in 2026 Russian intelligence and security services are increasingly using the tactic of recruiting citizens of other countries to carry out acts of sabotage in specific European countries. In VDD’s assessment, this tactic has been chosen to hamper the work of European services by attempting to conceal the links between the acts of sabotage and Russia.
Information prepared by VDD
