Latvian State Security Service (VDD) repeatedly recommends Latvia’s residents to avoid all travel to Russia and Belarus during the upcoming Easter holidays, and warns about the high risks of intelligence, recruitment and provocations in the territory of these countries.
VDD draws attention that any person regardless of their occupation or access to classified information can become a target for the Russian and Belarusian intelligence and security services. At the same time, Latvian institutions have limited possibilities to help their nationals who are facing difficulties in Russia or Belarus.
VDD has established that the intelligence and security services of Russia and Belarus aggressively use the opportunity to question and recruit foreigners in their territory, where they have wide discretion. Intelligence and security services of Russia and Belarus within the territory of their respective country will not hesitate to use aggressive and illegal methods to force someone into collaborating.
If travelling to one of these aggressor states cannot be avoided, VDD recommends not taking your mobile phone with you, especially if it contains information related to professional activity or otherwise sensitive information. Data can be extracted from your mobile phone at the border control point, and it can also be infected with spyware. In this case, the safest option is a mobile phone with a pre-paid SIM card which can be discarded after travel. You should also avoid bringing your computer, USB sticks or other data mediums.
Identification of potential recruitment targets already takes place at the border control points, as the officers of the intelligence and security services present themselves as border guards or use other covers – those of law enforcement institutions or any other institution of Russia or Belarus. Moreover, officers of Russia’s and Belarus’ intelligence and security services can obtain information that is crucial to them even during a simple conversation.
VDD recommends noting the below-stated signs that may indicate contact with an officer from Russia’s or Belarus’ intelligence and security service during the border crossing:
- unusually enhanced inspection and questioning;
- the person performing the questioning is wearing civilian clothing instead of the border guard uniform;
- the person asks questions outside the border guard competence.
Information at VDD’s disposal indicates that officers of the respective intelligence and security service may attempt to obtain information regarding:
- developments in Latvia, such as the domestic political and economic situation in the country, as well as the infrastructure in the border zone, NATO military infrastructure, developments in the defence sector;
- Latvia’s military and humanitarian support to Ukraine and the public’s attitude towards Ukraine and its civilians;
- personal topics, such as political views, place of employment and professional duties, relatives, friends and their places of employment, attitude towards Russia, Ukraine, NATO and the EU.
VDD points out that officers of Russia’s and Belarus’ intelligence and security services may aggressively present charges of committing an offence or a crime and attempt to force cooperation in exchange for dropping the charges or offering a simplified border crossing process.
In cases of suspicion about contact with an officer of Russia’s or Belarus’ intelligence and security services, VDD urges to inform the Service about it either over the 24/7 phone +371 67208964 or via e-mail info(abols)vdd.gov.lv. VDD guarantees the confidentiality of the information provider.
Information prepared by VDD
