Latvia's Security Service detains person linked to pro-Kremlin group's threats against Latvian companies

Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) has opened a criminal case and, within a few days, detained one person in Riga in connection with threats issued on September 8 by the pro-Kremlin group "Global Citizens Against War 1984" (GCAW1984). The suspect has been placed in pretrial detention.

The group, which previously claimed responsibility for sabotage acts in Europe, announced it had sent threatening letters to Latvia, Poland and Portugal, demanding that companies producing or supplying weapons to Ukraine halt their activities. Otherwise, the group threatened to stop these companies' operations "by any means."

Criminal case and detention

On September 9, VDD opened a criminal case under the Criminal Law article on threats to commit terrorism, and the following day detained one person in Riga, also carrying out procedural actions at the person's residence and vehicle. The service is currently analyzing data carriers and other items seized during the search, and has pledged to inform the public as the investigation proceeds.

Companies under threat

The group's statement named Latvian companies "Eraser" and "Unitruck," Polish companies "PGZ," "WB Electronics," "JFG Composites" and "Nitro-Chem," as well as Portuguese company "Tekever." The threat set a deadline of October 7, while the governments of the respective countries were given a month to meet the group's demands. As "proof" of its intentions, the group sent photos of graffiti bearing its abbreviation in Riga, Warsaw and Lisbon. The group had earlier claimed responsibility for an August attempt to set fire to a company in Slovakia belonging to Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton.

VDD noted that institutions and companies supporting Ukraine remain among the priority targets for sabotage by Russian special services in Europe, and that such threats aim to spread fear in society in order to reduce support for Ukraine. VDD carries out measures to strengthen security at sabotage-risk sites together with the Military Intelligence and Security Service and the Constitution Protection Bureau.