Taxi driver suspected of spying for Russia detained in Latvia

The Latvian State Security Service (VDD) has detained a taxi driver suspected of spying for Russia.

Source: LETA news agency with reference to the Latvian State Security Service; Delfi; European Pravda

Details: The VDD accused the suspect of systematically and purposefully collecting and transmitting information that could be used against the national security of Latvia to the Anti-fascists of the Baltic States Telegram group, of which he was a member himself.

Quote: "At the place of residence of the man, several data carriers were discovered, as well as symbols confirming his pro-Kremlin ideological beliefs, such as flags of Russia and the USSR. On 17 August, the court arrested the suspect as a security measure at the insistence of the State Security Service."

The VDD stated that the investigation "established that a particular citizen of Latvia maintained regular communication with members of the criminal organisation Anti-fascists of the Baltic States."

According to the VDD, he "sent them information about the personnel and equipment of the armed forces of the allied powers, the infrastructure of the Riga port and airport, as well as oil terminals, a drone training ground and other strategically important objects in Latvia."

In addition, the accused is suspected of sending "information about individuals and companies in Latvia that support Ukraine and oppose Russian aggression" to the so-called Anti-fascists of the Baltic States.

Quote: "The taxi driver performed these actions both on his own initiative and as specific tasks of the Anti-fascists of the Baltic States organisation. The collection of information was facilitated by him being a taxi driver, which allowed him to stay near the airport, port and other strategically important facilities without being disturbed."

Background:

• Earlier it was reported that three Bulgarian citizens were detained in the UK on suspicion of espionage for Russia. 
• Before that, the German Federal Prosecutor's Office had arrested an employee of the Bundeswehr, Thomas H., who is suspected of spying for Russia.
• On 4 August, a Belarusian citizen who spied for the Russian Federation was detained in Poland.

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