On 5 March 2025, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) asked the Prosecution Office to initiate criminal prosecution against four persons for purchasing and supplying portable satellite internet kits to the Russian army for use in warfare against Ukraine, thus violating the European Union (EU) sanctions.
VDD asked to initiate the criminal prosecution pursuant to Section 772 and Section 84 Paragraph 3 of the Criminal Law, namely, for collecting and transferring financial resources to a party involved in an armed conflict taking place outside the territory of the Republic of Latvia, whose action is directed against the territorial integrity of another state, as well as for violating EU sanctions imposed against Russia by a group of persons according to a prior agreement, causing substantial harm.
Criminal prosecution is sought against an Azerbaijani citizen, two Latvian citizens, and a Latvian non-citizen. VDD continues investigating about other persons suspected of involvement in these criminal activities.
VDD initiated the criminal case on 9 October 2024 on suspicion of provision of internet kits to the Russian army. Information obtained by VDD indicated that a group of persons ordered online and afterwards sent to Russia several dozen "Starlink Mini" portable satellite internet kits – portable antennas developed by the U.S. company "SpaceX" that provide internet access from almost any location. The EU has imposed a ban on transferring such systems to any natural or legal person, entity, or structure in Russia.*
Currently the applied security measure for the suspects is arrest.
VDD recalls 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
* Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 of 31 July 2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine.
