Latvian Security Service opens criminal case over terrorism threats to companies supplying Ukraine
Latvia's State Security Service has launched a criminal investigation after a pro-Kremlin group publicly threatened terrorist attacks against Latvian companies that supply weapons to Ukraine. One person has already been detained and arrested.
Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) opened a criminal case on September 9 over threats to carry out terrorism against Latvian companies that manufacture and supply weapons to Ukraine. The investigation followed the agency's discovery of a publicly posted ultimatum from a pro-Kremlin group.
The ultimatum
A group calling itself "Global Citizens Against War 1984" posted a demand on its website on September 8 that Latvia halt weapons and ammunition deliveries to Ukraine. The group threatened that if the demand was not met, it would carry out terrorist acts against specific Latvian companies involved in producing and supplying arms to Ukraine.
Detention and investigation
On September 10, as part of the criminal proceedings, VDD detained one person in Riga. Investigative actions, including a search, were carried out at the detained person's residence and in their vehicle. The agency is currently analyzing data storage devices and other items seized during the search. The suspect has been placed under arrest as a security measure.
Threats extended to other countries
In its published ultimatum, the group made identical demands of Poland and Portugal, threatening to target companies in those countries as well if its demands go unmet.
The criminal case was opened under Article 79.6, Part 2 of the Criminal Law, which covers threats to commit terrorism. VDD said it would inform the public of investigation findings as the case progresses.
