Latvian Security Service Detains Couple Suspected of Spying for Russia

On June 28, Latvia's State Security Service (VDD), working with the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD), detained two Latvian citizens suspected of cooperating with Russia's GRU military intelligence agency. A criminal case against them was opened a day earlier, on June 27, under the Criminal Law provision covering the collection and transfer of classified information to a foreign intelligence service on its behalf. The offense carries a prison sentence of one to ten years.

Information allegedly gathered

Investigators found that the pair obtained and passed to the GRU information about Latvia's defense system, the activities of NATO allied forces stationed in Latvia, and various forms of support provided to Ukraine. Among the intelligence gathered was information concerning the National Armed Forces' aviation base, radar systems, and the movement of military air transport.

Aerial photography of the Ādaži base

One of the detained individuals, acting on GRU instructions, carried out visual reconnaissance of the Ādaži military base and photographed it from the air using a small private aircraft. In military terminology, this kind of visual surveillance of terrain and enemy defenses before combat operations is known as reconnaissance. The pair also engaged in activities intended to support potential sabotage or intelligence groups operating within Latvian territory.

Searches and ongoing investigation

On the day of the detentions, VDD and MIDD carried out procedural actions at three locations linked to the suspects, in Riga and in Ādaži municipality. The searches yielded a large number of data storage devices along with documents and notes, which are now undergoing in-depth examination. Both suspects have been placed in custody as a security measure, and VDD, together with MIDD, continues the investigation.