RIGA, Latvia — A Latvian national has been apprehended on charges of espionage, accused of gathering sensitive information about the Baltic nation’s defense sector for Russia’s GRU military intelligence service. The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was detained last month following coordinated raids on two associated locations. According to Latvia’s State Security Service, the individual allegedly collected and transmitted classified details about NATO forces stationed in the country, as well as intelligence on private aviation infrastructure and methods for acquiring prepaid mobile phone cards. This arrest underscores growing concerns over Russia’s alleged campaign of sabotage and hybrid warfare targeting Ukraine’s European allies. Recent months have seen a surge in arson attacks, cyber intrusions, and espionage activities across the continent. The Baltic states and broader Europe remain on heightened alert, particularly after a spike in unauthorized incursions by Russian fighter jets and drones into NATO airspace in September. These incidents have prompted questions about the alliance’s readiness to counter potential Russian aggression.
A Latvian arrested for allegedly collecting information for Russia’s intelligence
