Latvia detains couple accused of gathering intelligence on military facilities for Russia's GRU

Latvia's State Security Service (VDD), working together with the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD), has detained two people suspected of espionage activity on behalf of Russia. The news agency LETA reported the detention, citing a statement from the VDD.

According to available information, the couple was detained on June 28. They are suspected of illegally gathering information related to Latvia's defense sector.

Link to Russian military intelligence

According to information held by the VDD, the detained individuals had been acting on assignment from Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU). Specifically, their task involved collecting information about facilities used for military purposes in Latvia.

The case points to Russian intelligence services' ongoing interest in the defense infrastructure of NATO member states, including Latvia. Incidents of this kind indicate continued Russian intelligence activity in the region generally, and in Latvia specifically.

The two Latvian security institutions involved — the VDD and the MIDD — are responsible for protecting state security and defense-related information, and this case demonstrates their cooperation in countering threats directed at Latvia's defense capabilities and infrastructure.

Further details about the identities of those detained, the specific facilities involved, or any forthcoming legal proceedings were not included in the public statement.