On 22 November, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) asked the Prosecution Office to initiate criminal prosecution against a Latvian citizen for possible preparation for terrorist attacks as well as disseminating terrorist propaganda.
Criminal prosecution is sought pursuant to Section 794 Paragraph 1 and Section 796 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Law. The set of evidence obtained by VDD during the investigation indicates the suspect's targeted self-training for terrorism, i.e., the acquisition of instructions, knowledge and practical skills for the purpose of pursuing or promoting terrorism. The Service has also established that the person systematically engaged in public glorification and justification of terrorism on the communication platform "Telegram", as well as distribution of materials containing glorification, justification and invitation to terrorism.
The criminal case against the person was initiated on 11 July 2023. VDD began to pay increased attention to the Latvian citizen’s activities when the Service discovered the person’s active involvement in correspondence in the "Telegram" communication groups supporting violent far-right extremism and terrorism that suggested the person’s possible radicalization.
During an in-depth investigation of the person's activities, VDD established that the person purposefully acquires and distributes content supporting far-right extremism, terrorist propaganda, video recordings of terrorist acts, as well as instructions for making explosives and weapons in the Internet environment. Moreover, the person was involved in the administration of several international communication groups, promoting hostile attitude and violence against various minorities through his actions. Considering the obtained information, VDD has carried out criminal proceedings on two sites related to the person.
In the course of the investigation, VDD established the person's efforts to purchase tactical equipment and substances necessary for the manufacture of explosives. In addition, VDD found out that the Latvian citizen had individually sent to several persons information useful for carrying out terrorist acts: instructions for making weapons and explosives, as well as video recordings of terrorist acts.
Information prepared by VDD
Photo by VDD
