Viktors Guščins, a 68-year-old Latvian citizen, was released from pre-trial detention by the Riga City Court on September 2, 2026. Guščins is accused of violating European Union sanctions related to his activities supporting Russian state-influenced 'compatriots' networks in Latvia. He has been involved for years in organizing and promoting pro-Kremlin narratives, including denying the Soviet occupation of Latvia, accusing Latvia of 'Russophobia' and 'neonazism,' and portraying the Baltic states as NATO military platforms threatening Russia. Guščins participated in international events such as the 2015 Latvian Russian Compatriots Conference and gave a speech at the Russian Military Historical Society forum in Kaliningrad in October 2022 supporting Kremlin narratives. He holds leadership roles in at least two Latvian organizations linked to Russian influence, including the Baltic Historical and Socio-Political Research Center and the Latvian Russian Community Association. Guščins is also associated with 'Pravfond,' a Kremlin-funded propaganda organization under EU sanctions since June 23, 2023, accused of spreading destabilizing narratives about Ukraine and the Baltics. The criminal case, initiated by the Latvian State Security Service on November 26, 2025, charges Guščins with violating EU sanctions, with prosecutors concerned that he could flee to Russia. His release to police supervision and travel ban drew protests from the prosecution. The case is politically charged and heavily tied to the Kremlin's hybrid influence operations in Latvia.

Viktors Guščins, a 68-year-old Latvian citizen, was released from pre-trial detention by the Riga City Court on September 2, 2026. Guščins is accused of violating European Union sanctions related to his activities supporting Russian state-influenced 'compatriots' networks in Latvia. He has been involved for years in organizing and promoting pro-Kremlin narratives, including denying the Soviet occupation of Latvia, accusing Latvia of 'Russophobia' and 'neonazism,' and portraying the Baltic states as NATO military platforms threatening Russia. Guščins participated in international events such as the 2015 Latvian Russian Compatriots Conference and gave a speech at the Russian Military Historical Society forum in Kaliningrad in October 2022 supporting Kremlin narratives. He holds leadership roles in at least two Latvian organizations linked to Russian influence, including the Baltic Historical and Socio-Political Research Center and the Latvian Russian Community Association. Guščins is also associated with 'Pravfond,' a Kremlin-funded propaganda organization under EU sanctions since June 23, 2023, accused of spreading destabilizing narratives about Ukraine and the Baltics. The criminal case, initiated by the Latvian State Security Service on November 26, 2025, charges Guščins with violating EU sanctions, with prosecutors concerned that he could flee to Russia. His release to police supervision and travel ban drew protests from the prosecution. The case is politically charged and heavily tied to the Kremlin's hybrid influence operations in Latvia.