Suspected Russian spy detained in Latvia for gathering information on aircraft and defence industry

A man suspected of spying for Russia and collecting intelligence for the Main Directorate of the General Staff (GRU) has been detained in Latvia.

As reported by Baltic states news website Delfi, Latvia's State Security Service, in cooperation with military intelligence, detained a Latvian citizen suspected of gathering information for Russian military intelligence.

A criminal case was opened in mid-October under the article on collecting information in the interests of a foreign intelligence service, with searches and the arrest carried out several days later.

The investigation established that the man collected information for the GRU on private infrastructure in Latvia used by aircraft, on NATO forces stationed in the country, and on the state of Latvia's defence industry. He was also interested in how SIM cards of local mobile operators are purchased.

Investigators are continuing to examine the electronic devices seized from the suspect, who remains in custody.

In addition, Latvia is investigating the possible preparation of major sabotage operations in the country by four individuals acting in Russia's interests.

In Germany, three men have been sentenced for spying for Russia.