On 2 February 2026, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) asked the Prosecution Office to initiate criminal prosecution against a Latvian resident for unlawfully providing programming services to a company in Russia, violating the sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU).
VDD initiated the criminal case against the person on 14 April 2025 pursuant to Section 84 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Law, namely, for the violation of the EU sanctions.
During the investigation, the Service found that since 2022 the person has remotely provided programming services to a company in Russia. In addition, for several months the person received the wage in the bank account of the Russian bank "Alfa-Bank"1, which is included in the EU sanctions lists, thus, contrary to the prohibition, providing funds to a company subject to sanctions.
VDD underlines that, in reaction to Russia’s war in Ukraine, residents of the EU Member States are prohibited from providing programming and many other services to companies in Russia.2 Likewise, residents of the EU Member States are prohibited from directly or indirectly making available funds and economic resources to natural and legal persons included in the EU sanctions lists.3
VDD reminds that no person shall be considered guilty until the guilt of such person has been determined in accordance with the procedures laid down in law.
Information prepared by VDD
Illustrative photo, Freepik
1 Since 25 February 2023, "Alfa-Bank JSC" is included in Annex I of Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 of 17 March 2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
2Article 5n and others of Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 of 31 July 2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine.
3Article 2 of Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 of 17 March 2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
