Latvian authorities seek prosecution of four nationals for espionage on behalf of Russia through a pro-Kremlin criminal group, involving systematic intelligence collection on military, infrastructure, and Ukrainian supporters, transmitted via Telegram and meetings in Russia.

On 19 June 2026, the Latvian State Security Service (VDD) requested the Prosecution Office to initiate criminal prosecution against four Latvian nationals suspected of espionage for Russia. These individuals collected intelligence in Latvia and transferred it to Russian intelligence and security services via the pro-Kremlin criminal organization 'Baltic anti-fascists'. The espionage activities included gathering information on Latvian Armed Forces, national border infrastructure, critical transport infrastructure such as Riga Airport, specific Latvian nationals, and persons and organizations supporting Ukraine. One suspect, abusing a security guard position, additionally provided surveillance images and personal data of Ukrainian supporters. The intelligence was transmitted via Telegram and personal meetings in Russia. All four individuals are in custody charged under Latvian Criminal Law sections concerning illegal intelligence collection, with one also charged for hooliganism and robbery. VDD monitors ongoing activities of the 'Baltic anti-fascists' organization that calls for intelligence collection in Latvia for Russia.