Latvia's security service detains Russian citizen over funding of Russian army
Latvia's State Security Service has detained a Russian citizen who had lived in the country for several years, suspected of regularly transferring money to support Russia's armed forces. Another person was already detained earlier in the same case for collecting such funds.
Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) has detained a Russian citizen who has lived in Latvia for several years, after an investigation found the person suspected of financing Russia's war effort against Ukraine. According to the service, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine the individual repeatedly responded to online appeals for financial and material support of the war, making regular money transfers to back the Russian armed forces.
A criminal case on suspicion of financing an armed conflict, an offence under Article 77.2 of Latvia's Criminal Law, was opened on 12 February 2025. The law provides for a prison sentence of up to 10 years for this crime, along with probationary supervision of up to three years.
Second suspect detained earlier
Within the same criminal proceedings, another person was detained on 14 May this year — a non-citizen resident of Latvia who investigators say was involved in collecting donations and other material benefits to support the Russian armed forces. She reportedly transferred the collected funds from her bank account to Russia.
Both suspects have been remanded in custody as a security measure. The VDD said the investigation is ongoing and it will provide further information as the case progresses.
