State Security Service Assists in Investigation of Fire at NGO 'Tavi draugi' Building; Possible Russian Involvement Not Ruled Out

The State Security Service (VDD) has joined the investigation into a fire that broke out late Saturday night at the central building of the NGO 'Tavi draugi' in Riga. The organization has been providing support to Ukraine, which, according to security services, could be linked to potential involvement of Russian special services.

The fire started after 3 AM. The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) received a call to Lapeņu Street, where a single-story hangar-type building covering 250 square meters was on fire. Thirteen firefighters with four tankers participated in extinguishing the blaze, which took approximately three hours.

According to the NGO, the fire caused serious damage to its office, warehouse, and logistics center. No injuries were reported.

The VDD noted that, given Russia's malicious activities in Latvia and other NATO and EU member states in recent years, it cannot completely rule out the possibility that the fire was set intentionally in Russia's interests. Organizations supporting Ukraine have long been among the priority targets of Russian special services in Europe. Authorities promise to provide more information as soon as possible.