The Latvian Security Police (VDD) is monitoring Leonīds Tambijevs, the all-time leading scorer of the Latvian hockey team, following his appointment as a coach for SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL.
The Latvian Security Police (VDD) has confirmed that they are aware of Leonīds Tambijevs' recent activities, specifically his appointment as the head coach for the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) team SKA Saint Petersburg. Tambijevs, who is recognized as the most prolific scorer in the history of Latvia's national hockey team, is now under scrutiny by VDD due to potential implications stemming from his association with a Russian team amidst heightened concerns about national security and ties to aggressor states.
In a statement to the LETA agency, VDD emphasized it is closely monitoring individuals with connections to Russia, particularly those who may pose a threat to national security. The agency highlighted that under the Citizenship Law, Latvian citizenship can only be revoked if the individual would not become stateless as a result of this action. Each case is evaluated on an individual basis, allowing for a precise and measured approach in dealing with citizenship matters related to national security concerns.
Despite the scrutiny, VDD did not comment on specific citizenship issues regarding Tambijevs, leaving his status ambiguous. The attention on citizens with ties to aggressor nations underscores the careful balance the Latvian government must maintain between sporting accomplishments and national loyalty, especially in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
