On 19 June 2026, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) asked the Prosecution Office to initiate criminal prosecution against four Latvian nationals for collecting intelligence in Latvia and transferring it to Russian intelligence and security services through the pro-Kremlin criminal organisation "Baltic anti-fascists".
VDD detained the four aforementioned persons on suspicion of espionage in January 2026 based on information obtained during the investigation indicating that these Latvian residents had systematically and purposefully collected various types of intelligence and then handed it over to the pro-Kremlin criminal organisation "Baltic anti-fascists" in order to then have it forwarded to the Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB) and other institutions of the aggressor state.
During the investigation, VDD found that one of the persons had obtained and handed over to a representative of the criminal organisation "Baltic anti-fascists" information such as locations and size of the National Armed Forces along the Russian borderland as well as Latvia’s support to Ukraine. The second person collected and passed along intelligence on Latvian critical infrastructure transport and logistics objects, including hangars and their use within the territory of Riga Airport as well as access controls and security procedures at the airport. In addition, this person also collected and passed on information regarding the construction of state border and border area infrastructure, defence and military mobility activities along the Russian borderland, foreign soldier training in Latvia, as well as individual Latvian nationals. The third detained individual obtained and passed along information on specific Latvian nationals, including their workplaces, education, properties and their financial situation.
By unlawfully taking advantage of the security guard position, the fourth person collected and passed information to a representative of the criminal organisation "Baltic anti-fascists" regarding Latvian residents, organisations and companies that support Ukraine. For example, the person sent images from video surveillance cameras showing persons with symbols supporting Ukraine on their garments, cars of volunteer organisations providing support to Ukraine and vehicles that have stickers condemning Russia’s aggression. The information provided also included personal data, contact information, state vehicle registration numbers and other data that could be used to identify Ukrainian supporters. This particular individual was detained on 7 January by the State Police after he attacked journalists, taking away their camera. The State Police initiated a criminal case against the person for hooliganism related to damage to property. On 14 January VDD took the case over for further investigation in accordance with jurisdiction, additionally charging him with espionage and robbery.
VDD established that the intelligence was passed on to the criminal organisation through the online messaging application "Telegram" and during personal meetings in Russia.
All four persons are currently in custody and VDD has asked the Prosecution Office to initiate criminal prosecution pursuant to Section 85 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Law, i.e., illegal collecting of information and transferring thereof to a foreign intelligence and security service through mediation of another person. One of the persons is additionally incriminated with crimes stipulated in Section 231 Paragraph 1 and Section 176 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Law, namely, gross disturbance of the public order, which was manifested in obvious disrespect for the public and insolence, ignoring generally accepted standards of behaviour, disturbing the work of institutions and undertakings (hooliganism), and committing stealing of movable property of another related to violence (robbery).
VDD continuously follows the activities of the Russia-based criminal organisation "Baltic anti-fascists" and has frequently identified calls on its "Telegram" channel to collect different types of intelligence in Latvia that could be useful to Russia, including information that contains official secrets.
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: VDD
