Latvia detains couple on Russia espionage charges
Latvia has detained a couple suspected of illegally collecting information about the country’s defense at the direction of Russia’s GRU, Latvia’s State Security Service announced on Sept. 30.
Latvia has apprehended a pair of individuals accused of covertly gathering sensitive information about the nation's defense apparatus, allegedly under the orders of Russia's GRU, the State Security Service reported on September 30. According to the Latvian Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD), formal charges were brought against the Latvian nationals on June 27, invoking Article 85(1) of the Criminal Law, which pertains to the procurement and transmission of classified or other data to a foreign intelligence agency.
Investigations revealed that the accused individuals had procured and transmitted information concerning Latvia's defense mechanisms, NATO force operations, and assistance to Ukraine. Specifically, they acquired intelligence pertaining to a Latvian National Armed Forces air base, radar systems, and the flight patterns of military aircraft.
One of the suspects, acting on the GRU's directives, undertook aerial surveillance and captured photographs of a military base in Adazi from a private plane. The suspects also took measures to facilitate potential intelligence and sabotage organizations operating within Latvia. Upon the day of their arrest, the State Security Service and MIDD conducted searches at three residences in Riga and the Adazi municipality associated with the suspects.
Authorities confiscated a substantial quantity of electronic media, documents, and notes. The confiscated materials are currently undergoing thorough examination. Both suspects were subsequently ordered to remain in custody.
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