On 4 September 2026, the Latvian State Security Service (VDD) conducted criminal procedural actions including searches at four locations in Riga and the Riga region connected to the 'Mnogoknig' bookstore chain. These actions are linked to a criminal case initiated by VDD on 28 July 2026, on suspicions of violations of European Union imposed sanctions. One person was detained during the operation, with pre-trial detention imposed as a security measure. VDD emphasized that these actions are unrelated to regulatory amendments effective 1 September 2026, which prohibit the import of books and printed materials from Russia and Belarus into Latvia. Import control remains the responsibility of the State Revenue Service and the Tax and Customs Police. The 'Mnogoknig' bookstore at Augusta Deglava Street in Riga remained open during the investigation, and employees declined to comment on law enforcement visits. Company registry data shows SIA 'Mnogoknig' based in Piņķi is owned by Aleksandrs Karabeļņikovs, with an annual turnover of 613,683 euros and profit of 9,696 euros in 2025. Karabeļņikovs and Olga Bartule co-own SIA 'Kors N', also involved in retail operations related to 'Mnogoknig.lv' stores. Historically, 'Kors N' supplied globes depicting Crimea as part of Russia to 'Maxima Latvia' stores in 2015, an issue that was publicly noted at the time.

On 4 September 2026, the Latvian State Security Service (VDD) conducted criminal procedural actions including searches at four locations in Riga and the Riga region connected to the 'Mnogoknig' bookstore chain. These actions are linked to a criminal case initiated by VDD on 28 July 2026, on suspicions of violations of European Union imposed sanctions. One person was detained during the operation, with pre-trial detention imposed as a security measure. VDD emphasized that these actions are unrelated to regulatory amendments effective 1 September 2026, which prohibit the import of books and printed materials from Russia and Belarus into Latvia. Import control remains the responsibility of the State Revenue Service and the Tax and Customs Police. The 'Mnogoknig' bookstore at Augusta Deglava Street in Riga remained open during the investigation, and employees declined to comment on law enforcement visits. Company registry data shows SIA 'Mnogoknig' based in Piņķi is owned by Aleksandrs Karabeļņikovs, with an annual turnover of 613,683 euros and profit of 9,696 euros in 2025. Karabeļņikovs and Olga Bartule co-own SIA 'Kors N', also involved in retail operations related to 'Mnogoknig.lv' stores. Historically, 'Kors N' supplied globes depicting Crimea as part of Russia to 'Maxima Latvia' stores in 2015, an issue that was publicly noted at the time.