On September 3-4, 2026, the Latvian State Security Service (VDD) conducted criminal investigation operations involving raids at four premises in Riga and its surroundings linked to the Russian-language bookstore chain 'Mnogoknig.' The raids are part of an investigation launched on July 28, 2026, into suspected violations of European Union sanctions. One person was detained and placed in custody as a preventive measure. The VDD clarified that the investigation is unrelated to new importation restrictions effective September 1, 2026, prohibiting the import of books and printed matter from Russia and Belarus. The Customs Administration of the State Revenue Service handles import controls. Despite the raid, the Mnogoknig store on Augusta Deglava Street in Riga remained open on September 4, with customers shopping normally, but staff declined to comment on law enforcement visits. According to public company registry data, the owner of SIA Mnogoknig is Aleksandrs Karabeļņikovs, with the company reporting a 2025 turnover of 613,683 euros and a profit of 9,696 euros.

On September 3-4, 2026, the Latvian State Security Service (VDD) conducted criminal investigation operations involving raids at four premises in Riga and its surroundings linked to the Russian-language bookstore chain 'Mnogoknig.' The raids are part of an investigation launched on July 28, 2026, into suspected violations of European Union sanctions. One person was detained and placed in custody as a preventive measure. The VDD clarified that the investigation is unrelated to new importation restrictions effective September 1, 2026, prohibiting the import of books and printed matter from Russia and Belarus. The Customs Administration of the State Revenue Service handles import controls. Despite the raid, the Mnogoknig store on Augusta Deglava Street in Riga remained open on September 4, with customers shopping normally, but staff declined to comment on law enforcement visits. According to public company registry data, the owner of SIA Mnogoknig is Aleksandrs Karabeļņikovs, with the company reporting a 2025 turnover of 613,683 euros and a profit of 9,696 euros.