Latvian State Security Service investigates possible links between Occupation Museum arsonist and Russian/Belarusian intelligence services on March 14, 2024.

On March 14, 2024, the Latvian State Security Service (VDD) announced it is assessing a possible connection between the arsonist who deliberately set fire to the Latvian Occupation Museum in Riga and intelligence agencies of unfriendly states, notably Russia and Belarus. VDD director Normunds Mežviets stated in a Latvian Television interview that these suspicions are taken seriously due to the political significance of the target. The VDD highlighted that recruited individuals from these foreign services might be engaged in criminal acts within Latvia, posing security risks. The case remains under active investigation to uncover more details about the suspect’s affiliations and motives. This development underscores ongoing hybrid threats to Latvian institutions linked to hostile foreign espionage and influence efforts.