Latvia detains couple on Russia espionage charges

According to Latvia’s Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD), criminal proceedings were opened against the Latvian citizens on June 27 under Article 85(1) of the Criminal Law. The provision concerns collecting and transmitting classified or other information to a foreign intelligence service.

Investigators determined that the suspects collected and passed information to the GRU Latvia’s defense system, the activities of NATO forces and aid to Ukraine. In particular, they obtained intelligence a Latvian National Armed Forces air base, radar systems and the movements of military aircraft.

One of the suspects, acting on the GRU’s instructions, conducted aerial reconnaissance and photographed a military base in Adazi from a small private aircraft. The suspects also took steps to support potential intelligence and sabotage groups operating in Latvia.

On the day of the arrests, the State Security Service and MIDD searched three properties in Riga and Adazi municipality linked to the suspects. Authorities seized a significant volume of electronic media, documents, and notes. The seized materials are now being examined in detail. Both suspects were ordered held in custody.