Latvia detains couple accused of surveilling NATO base with private plane for Russian GRU

Joint security operation and arrests

Latvian counterintelligence authorities detained two Latvian citizens following an investigation into espionage activities conducted on behalf of Russian military intelligence. The joint operation was executed by Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) in direct coordination with the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD). Criminal proceedings against the couple were formally initiated on 27 June 2026 after preliminary intelligence provided by the MIDD indicated covert collection of defense data. Law enforcement officers executed the arrests the following day, on 28 June 2026. Simultaneously, security officers conducted comprehensive searches across three properties associated with the suspects, situated in the capital city of Riga and within the municipality of Ādaži. Investigators retrieved and confiscated a substantial volume of data storage media, along with physical documentation, classified files, and handwritten notes.

Aerial surveillance of NATO installations

The investigative findings established that the pair focused their surveillance efforts on central defense assets and allied troop deployments. A primary focus of the operation was the Ādaži military base, located in central Latvia, which serves as a central hub for the country's armed forces and hosts NATO's multinational brigade under the enhanced Forward Presence framework. The installation houses troops from several allied nations, including a Polish military contingent. According to security reports, one of the detained suspects utilized a small private airplane to fly over the Ādaži military compound. The suspect conducted aerial reconnaissance and captured detailed photographs of military installations, airfield structures, and perimeter defenses from above.

Defense tracking and sabotage network support

In addition to direct surveillance of the Ādaži base, the suspects systematically monitored national air defense infrastructure and logistics. The pair gathered intelligence on the National Armed Forces air base, domestic military radar systems, and the scheduling and routes of military air transport flights. The collected data also encompassed broader details regarding Latvia's national defense architecture and specific forms of material and military aid provided to Ukraine. Beyond transmitting intelligence directly to the GRU, the suspects engaged in operational activities designed to assist potential Russian reconnaissance and sabotage units on Latvian territory. Under Latvian criminal law, illegal gathering of defense information for foreign intelligence agencies carries a statutory prison sentence ranging between one and ten years.

Evidence examination and ongoing proceedings

Security agencies publicly disclosed the counterintelligence case on 1 October 2026, confirming that both suspects remain in custody while the investigation progresses. Forensic specialists are currently analyzing the digital and physical materials recovered from the three searched properties in Riga and Ādaži to determine the full scope of information transferred to Russian handlers.

Currently, a detailed investigation is being conducted into the contents of the items seized during the search.

The VDD and MIDD continue to evaluate whether additional individuals or logistical assets were involved in the intelligence operation. Criminal proceedings remain open as judicial authorities prepare the formal indictment for the espionage offenses.