Latvia's Security Service searches Mnogoknig bookstore chain sites

Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) carried out searches on Thursday, September 3, and into the night of Friday, September 4, at four locations connected to the Mnogoknig bookstore chain, the agency confirmed to the Latvian news agency LETA. The sites are located in Riga and its surroundings.

The investigative actions are part of a criminal case opened by the VDD on July 28 over suspected violations of European Union sanctions. During the searches, one person was detained and subsequently placed in custody as a preventive measure.

The VDD did not provide further comments, citing the interests of the investigation.

Not linked to new import ban

The service stated that the criminal procedural actions are not connected to new Cabinet of Ministers regulations on industrial goods banned from import into Latvia, which took effect on September 1. Those rules prohibit importing books, newspapers and other printed materials into Latvia from Russia and Belarus.

The VDD also clarified that control over goods imports falls under the competence of the Customs Administration and the Tax and Customs Police of the State Revenue Service.

Security Service officers visited, among other locations, the chain's largest store on Augusta Deglava Street in Riga.