Two suspects accused of spying for Russia's GRU were detained in Latvia

Two Latvian citizens have been detained in Latvia on suspicion of spying for Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU). According to Latvian counterintelligence, they were gathering information about the country’s defense system, NATO forces, and support for Ukraine.

According to Latvian counterintelligence, the detainees collected and transmitted information to Russian military intelligence regarding Latvia’s defense system, the activities of allied NATO forces, and various forms of support for Ukraine.

Specifically, this includes intelligence data on the Latvian National Armed Forces’ airbase, radar systems, and the movements of military aircraft.

According to the VDD, one of the detainees, acting on orders from the GRU, conducted reconnaissance and photographed the military base in Ādaži from the air. He used a small private plane for this purpose.

The investigation also established that the suspects may have been engaged in activities aimed at potentially supporting reconnaissance and sabotage groups on Latvian territory.

Criminal proceedings against the detainees were initiated under the article of Latvian criminal law concerning the illegal collection and transmission to foreign intelligence services of classified and other information at their direction.

During the searches, law enforcement officers seized a large number of data storage devices, documents, and recordings.

Law enforcement officials are currently examining the seized materials.

Both suspects have been remanded in custody as a preventive measure.

The investigation is ongoing. The Latvian State Security Service stated that additional information will be provided as the criminal proceedings unfold.

This was reported by the Latvian State Security Service (VDD).

Earlier, the Düsseldorf Public Prosecutor’s Office filed charges against a 53-year-old Ukrainian citizen suspected of working for Russian intelligence. According to the German investigation, the man had been gathering information in Germany since at least November 2025 about a Ukrainian who had fought in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and passing this information on to Russian intelligence. He was detained on March 27, 2026, and the case is now set to go to trial.

In Finland, the National Bureau of Investigation (KRP) suspects two men, aged 37 and 40, of espionage.