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Latvia to Prosecute Russian-Linked Saboteurs Behind Planned Attacks on Critical Sites
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
The Latvian State Security Service (VDD) is moving to prosecute four individuals suspected of preparing major sabotage operations on Latvian soil on behalf of Russian special services.
According to Delfi on October 27, the VDD referred the criminal case to the prosecutor’s office on October 17. The suspects—at least two of whom are Latvian citizens—are accused of working as a coordinated group to plan and execute malicious acts against various targets across the country.
The investigation uncovered the scope of the suspects’ activities. They allegedly carried out an intentional arson attack in the fall of 2023 against a private company working on a defense-related project. In early 2024, the group was reportedly preparing to set fire to a Ukrainian truck at a critical infrastructure site in Latvia. The VDD found evidence that the group had thoroughly scouted the location, mapping entrances, exits, and security protocols.
Additionally, the individuals photographed and filmed other sensitive sites, sending the surveillance materials back to their Russian handlers.
The State Security Service detained three members of the group earlier this spring, while the fourth was already in custody from a previous operation. The impending prosecution underscores the heightened risk of sabotage and hybrid warfare directed by Russia against NATO's Baltic member states.
Earlier, counterterrorism police in Britain detained three men in London under the UK's National Security Act, suspecting them of helping a foreign intelligence service identified as Russia.
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