Latvia Uncovers Group Preparing Arson Attacks on Defense Sites Under Orders from Russian Intelligence

Latvian authorities have uncovered a criminal group that was planning arson attacks on defense and infrastructure sites at the direction of Russian intelligence services.

The Latvian State Security Service (VDD), which has requested that prosecutors open criminal proceedings against the four suspects arrested, announced the discovery.

The investigation revealed that, on the initiative of Russian intelligence services, a group of individuals had been formed to commit particularly serious crimes against Latvia.

The State Security Service (VDD) detained three of those involved earlier this spring, while the fourth suspect was already in prison for a different offense.

According to the investigation, in the fall of 2023, the suspects planned and executed a deliberate arson attack on a facility belonging to a private company involved in a defense project.

In addition, at the beginning of 2024, the group was preparing to set fire to a truck with Ukrainian license plates located within a critical infrastructure site. To do this, they conducted reconnaissance and video surveillance of the surrounding area and possible entry routes to the site.

The suspects also carried out reconnaissance of several other potential targets for sabotage, taking photos and videos of the facilities and sending the materials to Russia.

Two of the suspects, both Latvian citizens, are accused of assisting Russia as part of a group engaged in activities directed against Latvia’s security and of deliberately damaging property.

The third suspect is charged with incitement and encouragement to commit harmful acts, while the fourth is suspected of aiding criminal activities.

Three of the suspects are currently in custody, and one is serving a sentence for another crime.

Earlier, the Latvian State Security Service also detained a Russian agent who had been spying on military facilities in the country.