The State Security Service (VDD) has requested the prosecutor’s office to initiate criminal prosecution against four individuals for sabotage targeting critical infrastructure and other sites within Latvia.
According to the VDD, the group’s actions against Latvia’s security were carried out on behalf of a Russian intelligence service.
The criminal proceedings were launched on the 10th of June, 2024, after the VDD uncovered the group’s activities. Investigators determined that, under the direction of a Russian intelligence agency, a network of individuals had been established in Latvia with the goal of committing serious crimes against the state. These individuals engaged in the planning, organization, and execution of sabotage operations, including intentional arson attacks on various sites across Latvian territory.
In the spring of 2024, the VDD detained three suspects, while a fourth person was already serving a prison sentence for an unrelated crime.
The evidence collected by the VDD indicates that the suspects planned and carried out an arson attack
in autumn 2023 against a private company facility involved in a defense-related project.
Furthermore, in early 2024, the group prepared to set fire to a cargo vehicle with Ukrainian license plates located within the grounds of a critical infrastructure site. As part of their preparations, the suspects conducted reconnaissance, recorded videos of the area, and identified possible entry points, according to the VDD.
Investigators also discovered that the suspects had scouted several other potential sabotage targets, taking photos and videos of these locations and sending the materials to their handlers in Russia. To prevent possible attacks, the VDD carried out a broad range of preventive security measures.
Two of the suspects — both Latvian citizens — are accused of aiding Russia as part of a group acting against Latvia’s national security and of intentional property damage. A third suspect is charged with incitement and recruitment, having allegedly helped find and direct the individuals who carried out the sabotage tasks.
The fourth suspect is accused of supporting the criminal operation by transporting the executors to the site in his vehicle and assisting them in leaving the scene after the attack.
Three of the suspects are currently under arrest, while the fourth is serving a prison sentence for another crime.
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