On 19 September 2025, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) asked the Prosecution Office to initiate criminal prosecution against a Latvian national for unauthorised work on behalf of companies in Russia, violating sanctions imposed by the European Union.
VDD initiated the criminal case against the individual on 17 April 2025 pursuant to Section 84 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Law, namely, for the violation of EU sanctions.
During the investigation, VDD found that the Russian citizen, after receiving his Latvian residence permit remotely, was employed in three financial sector companies in Russia, where he held positions of Advisor to the General Director, Director of Finance and Chief Economist.
VDD draws attention to the fact that, in reaction to Russia’s war in Ukraine, citizens of the Member States of the European Union are prohibited from providing consultancy to companies registered in Russia in the fields of economic activities and governance*.
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
* Council Regulation (EU) 2022/879 of 3 June 2022 amending Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine, Article 5 n Paragraph 1.
