Latvian State Security Service seeks prosecution of four persons for arson of railway infrastructure in Riga motivated by foreign state interests, involving deliberate sabotage captured on Telegram.

On 21 May 2026, the Latvian State Security Service (VDD) requested the Prosecution Office to initiate criminal prosecution against four individuals for arson of railway infrastructure in Riga supporting the interests of a foreign state. The suspects were detained in cooperation with the State Police, with three detained in January 2026 and the fourth already incarcerated for another crime, acting as intermediary. The investigation identified four arson incidents against railway objects: one electric switchboard used for railway lighting and three relay cabinets controlling train movements. Three arsons occurred in October 2025 and one in January 2026. The acts were filmed and sent via Telegram as proof of task completion. The VDD took over investigation from the State Police on 6 February 2026 upon evidence of foreign state interests. The suspects face charges including aiding a foreign state against Latvia and intentional destruction of property by arson under Latvian criminal law Sections 81 1 Paragraph 2 and 185 Paragraph 2.