Eight Latvian nationals detained in Estonia over attempted arson at drone maker's building

Eight Latvian nationals were detained in Estonia overnight on 14 November after trying to set fire to a building belonging to the defence company Threod Systems. The company makes drones, and the building is in Viimsi. According to a statement from Latvia's State Chancellery, four of those held are Latvian citizens and four are non-citizens, all of Slavic ethnic origin. Latvian officials link the case to a tactic they say Russia is using across Europe.

Cooperation between the services

Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) received risk information about possible sabotage plans in Estonia and passed it to its neighbour. The VDD and Estonia's Internal Security Service (KAPO) immediately began coordinated action, and the sabotage attempt was prevented. Several of the detainees had previously been convicted of criminal offences.

On 14 November the VDD carried out procedural actions at nine sites linked to individuals in Latvia. Searches turned up explosive items, pyrotechnic products, ammunition, and a large number of mobile phones and other data storage devices.

The prime minister's assessment

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List) said the case shows how effectively the Latvian and Estonian security services work together, and that it allowed the attack to be stopped before it caused real damage. He said Russia's current method is to use citizens of one country for attacks in another, and that this is happening across Europe. In his words, the response is close and swift cooperation with allied countries' services.

The VDD assesses that the aim of Russian-organised sabotage is to increase tension and fear in society and to hinder support for Ukraine. Information held by the service indicates that in 2026 Russian intelligence services are using this tactic more and more, to make the work of European services harder and to conceal the link between sabotage acts and Russia.

Following the incident, Estonia plans to close border crossing points with Russia.