Latvian State Security Service suspects two for spying for Russia

Latvian State Security Service (VDD) together with the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) has detained two people, who are suspected of cooperating with Russia’s military intelligence service by providing them with information related to Latvia’s defence sector, as reported by VDD.
‘The result of the counter-intelligence operation by executed by VDD and MIDD was the successful prevention of these person’s continued involvement in activities aimed against the state of Latvia,’ stresses the chief of VDD Normunds Mežviets.
Detainment of suspects took place in 2021 as part of two criminal processes commenced by VDD based on suspicion of espionage.
VDD acquired information that the suspects met with representatives of Russian military intelligence representatives in Russia.
Both suspects were put under arrest.
On 30 November 2021 VDD submitted details of the criminal procedure to the office of the prosecutor, requesting the commencement of criminal prosecution of the suspects. Information acquired in the investigation revealed hat one person used their work contacts to acquire, compile, analyse and transfer information about Latvian National Armed Forces, their combat capabilities, military procedures, plans and exercises, military procurements, as well as activities of NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group within Latvia’s territory to the Russian military intelligence service.
VDD acquired a considerable amount of evidence, including documents and data storage devices, that, according to VDD, prove the suspect’s guilt in the crime they are accused of committing.
The other person is suspected of lasting cooperation with Russian military intelligence and providing them with information of interest to intelligence officers.
In the interest of the investigation VDD does not provide more detailed information about this case.
VDD reminds that no person is considered guilty until his or her guilt has been proven in accordance with the procedure provided by the law.
As previously reported, in a different criminal procedure last summer VDD detained Saeima deputy Jānis Ādamsons on suspicion of spying for Russia. After his detainment, the court issued an arrest warrant. At the end of 2021 the court permitted him to leave on bail for EUR 30 000. The money was paid on 5 January 2022.