On 2 March 2026, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) asked the Prosecution Office to initiate criminal prosecution against two individuals for the arson of Latvian railway infrastructure objects in the interests of Russia.
The investigation revealed several cases of arson involving railway infrastructure objects committed in August last year. The malicious activities were directed against railway relay cabinets and a locomotive, causing significant damage.
Criminal cases for these instances of intentional damage and destruction of property of another were initiated by the State Police at the end of August 2025. With the support of VDD, both perpetrators were detained at the beginning of September last year. During the investigation, evidence was obtained indicating that the criminal activities were linked to Russia, therefore in October 2025, VDD took over the criminal case from the State Police for further investigation in its own case file.
During the investigation VDD established that the individuals had filmed the arson of the railway infrastructure objects and had sent the video material to their taskers, who in turn used the video materials in psychological operations, presenting the arson attacks carried out in Latvia as events in Ukraine. In VDD's assessment, the aim of these activities was to create the illusion of Russian military success, intimidating Ukraine and its allies and prompting Ukraine to yield to Russia's illegal demands.
VDD incriminates the suspects with the commission of crimes stipulated in Section 774 and Section 185 Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Law, i.e., assistance to Russia in action directed against Ukraine and intentional destruction of or damage to property of another by arson.
Both suspects have currently been taken into custody as security measure.
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, Midjourney
