Latvian couple arrested for spying and photographing military base
Two Latvian citizens were arrested on 28 June on suspicion of gathering intelligence for Russian military intelligence.
Latvia's State Security Service detained a local couple on 28 June on suspicion of spying for Russia, according to local media reports. Investigators opened the criminal case on 27 June with assistance from the Military Intelligence and Security Service. Officials stated that the pair passed intelligence data to the Russian military intelligence agency, known as the GRU.
The suspects allegedly collected information regarding national defence, allied NATO force activities, and support for Latvia and Ukraine. Authorities said the gathered intelligence covered aviation bases, radar systems, and military transport movements. Investigators also accused the pair of carrying out preparations to potentially support sabotage groups on Latvian soil.
One of the suspects used a small private aircraft to photograph the Adaži military base from the air. According to investigators, this activity served as visual reconnaissance of the terrain and enemy defences before potential operations. Both individuals operated directly under orders from Russian military intelligence.
Officers searched three locations in Riga and the Adaži municipality on the day of the arrests. Investigators seized a large quantity of data storage devices, documents, and handwritten notes during those searches. Specialists are currently examining the contents of the seized items.
Both detained individuals have been placed in custody under a court order. Security services stated that the criminal investigation remains active and further details will be released as proceedings advance. Under Latvian law, gathering and transferring undisclosed information to a foreign intelligence service carries a prison sentence ranging from one to ten years.
What we know
- Two Latvian citizens were detained by the State Security Service on 28 June.
- The criminal case was initiated on 27 June under Article 85 of the Criminal Law.
- The suspects are accused of collecting intelligence for the Russian GRU.
- One suspect used a small private aircraft to photograph the Adaži military base.
- Searches were conducted at three locations in Riga and the Adaži region, yielding data devices and documents.
- Both individuals have been remanded in custody.
Why it matters for Europe
The arrests highlight counter-espionage operations targeting intelligence gathering on critical military sites and NATO allied activities within Latvia. The case involves alleged reconnaissance of key defence infrastructure and potential support for sabotage groups on national territory.
Sources
Reported by 2 reports from 2 independent outlets in 2 countries.
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Questions and answers
- Which agencies carried out the arrests in Latvia?
- The State Security Service detained the suspects in cooperation with the Military Intelligence and Security Service.
- What specific installations were targeted by the suspects?
- Investigators stated the pair gathered data on radar systems, aviation bases, and the Adaži military base.
- What legal penalties do the suspects face?
- The criminal process was initiated under Article 85 of the Criminal Law for gathering and transferring information to a foreign intelligence service, which carries a prison sentence of one to ten years.
This article was written with AI assistance from 2 verified reports and checked under the ECTV editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.