Latvia's national security chief Normunds Mežviets has revealed that Russia is actively trying to recruit criminals for conducting sabotage operations in Latvia. He highlighted that several incidents had occurred in the country last year, which are currently under investigation, and that they might be linked to tasks given by Russian intelligence. Although none of these incidents caused significant harm to national security, the potential threat remains concerning.

Mežviets stated that Russian intelligence primarily targets military facilities and critical infrastructure. In 2023, a group was discovered that had set fire to the premises of a defense project-related company. This same group was reportedly planning to target trucks with Ukrainian license plates connected to critical infrastructure projects. Furthermore, they had compiled a list of potential sabotage targets, which included memorials, electrical stations, and storage facilities for flammable goods.

The implications of these findings are alarming for Latvia, especially as the region continues to navigate security tensions with Russia. The involvement of criminal elements in such operations raises questions about the safeguards in place to protect critical infrastructure and the necessity for heightened vigilance in national security measures. As geopolitical tensions persist, Latvia faces challenges to ensure comprehensive security against potential espionage or sabotage acts.