In Latvia, a couple was sentenced to prison for working for Russia
The Riga City Court sentenced two Latvian citizens who admitted to carrying out tasks for Russian intelligence services. Denis Lukanenok was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and his common-law wife, Karina Ivanova, to 8.5 years.
On Thursday, the court approved a plea agreement between the prosecution and the defendants. The case involves acts of sabotage against the Latvian company Pilot Automotive Labs Europe, which develops autonomous vehicles. In addition to the prison terms, the court ordered both defendants to be placed under probationary supervision. No property was confiscated.
Furthermore, the defendants and other individuals against whom separate criminal proceedings are ongoing are to pay 3,146 euros in compensation for property damage to Pilot Automotive Labs Europe.
What They Were Charged With
The Latvian State Security Service launched a criminal case against Lukanenko, Ivanova, Konstantin Shiryaev, and Konstantin Yakubovsky on June 10, 2024. According to the investigation, Russian intelligence services formed a group of individuals tasked with carrying out operations against Latvia. One of the incidents was an arson attack in the fall of 2023. At that time, a facility belonging to a private company working on a defense-related project was damaged.
In early 2024, according to the State Security Service (SSS), members of the group were preparing to set fire to a truck with Ukrainian license plates. The truck was located on the grounds of a critical infrastructure facility. In addition, the defendants were looking for other potential targets. They took photographs and videos of the facilities and the surrounding areas, then sent the materials to the organizers in Russia.
Lukanenko Agreed in Exchange for Money
Denis Lukanenko’s attorney, Alexander Laivins, told reporters that his client acknowledged the gravity of his actions and understood that he could face a severe punishment. According to the attorney, Lukanenko agreed to carry out tasks for the Russian special services for money. He was promised 1,000 euros for the job. “He agreed to carry out tasks for the Russian security services for the money and was not interested in the identity of the person who offered him the job,” the lawyer noted.
Earlier, Lukanenok had expressed his willingness to enter into a plea agreement with the prosecutor. Ivanova initially took a different position. Through her attorney, she stated that she did not wish to admit guilt for a crime which, according to her, she had not committed. However, the court ultimately approved the plea agreement between her and the prosecution.
Two other people are involved in the case
The State Security Service’s investigation does not concern only Lukanenko and Ivanova. A separate criminal proceeding is underway against Konstantin Shiryaev and Konstantin Yakubovsky. According to the Latvian security service, all four had previously been convicted of other crimes. However, prior to this case, they had not come to the attention of the Latvian State Security Service. This was reported by LSM.
In Latvia, an interim board of directors was elected for the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting held on Thursday, August 20. The Latvian Ministry of Transport announced the decision, as reported by LSM English.
