Latvia’s State Security Service (VDD), in cooperation with the Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD), detained a couple on the 28th of June on suspicion of illegally gathering information about Latvia’s defence sector on behalf of Russia’s military intelligence service, the GRU, the VDD reports.
Based on information provided by MIDD, criminal proceedings against the detained Latvian citizens were launched on the 27th of June under Section 85, Paragraph One of the Criminal Law for collecting and transferring classified and other information to a foreign intelligence service on its instructions.
Such offences are punishable by imprisonment for a term of one to ten years.
The investigation established that the individuals obtained and passed information to the GRU about Latvia’s defence system, the activities of NATO allied forces and various forms of support provided to Ukraine.
Among other things,
the individuals allegedly obtained intelligence about a National Armed Forces aviation base,
radar systems and the movement of military air transport.
At the GRU’s request, one of the suspects carried out “reconnaissance and aerial photography of the Ādaži military base using a small private aircraft”.
In the military context, reconnaissance is defined as the visual observation of terrain and enemy defences ahead of combat operations.
In addition, the suspects allegedly carried out activities intended to support potential reconnaissance and sabotage groups operating in Latvia.
On the day the suspects were detained,
the VDD, in cooperation with MIDD, carried out criminal procedural measures at three locations linked to them
in Riga and Ādaži Municipality.
During the searches, investigators seized a large quantity of various data storage devices, as well as documents and notes. The contents of the items seized during the searches are currently undergoing detailed examination.
Both suspects have been remanded in custody as a preventive measure.
The VDD, in cooperation with MIDD, is continuing the investigation.