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Latvia Detains Suspect Accused of Collecting Data for Russia’s GRU

Authorities link the case to Russia’s GRU, with seized devices now in forensic analysis.

Overview

  • Latvia’s State Security Service, working with military intelligence, detained a Latvian citizen on suspicion of gathering defense-related information for Russian military intelligence.
  • Criminal proceedings began on October 14 under Article 85(1) for collecting or transmitting information on behalf of a foreign intelligence service.
  • Investigators say the suspect transferred details on private infrastructure usable for aviation, the presence of NATO allied forces in Latvia, and other defense-sector matters.
  • The suspect was tasked to collect information on how prepaid mobile SIM cards can be purchased in Latvia.
  • Searches on October 17–18 at locations linked to the suspect in Ventspils yielded data storage devices now under detailed examination, and the suspect remains in custody while the investigation continues.