The State Security Service of Latvia (VDD) has initiated steps for the Prosecutor's office to commence criminal proceedings against two individuals involved in the malicious burning of railway infrastructure, purportedly in the interests of Russia. This follows an investigation revealing multiple incidents of arson targeting railway-related facilities last August, which include the destruction of railway relay cabinets and a locomotive, causing significant damage to property.

In response to these acts of arson, the State Police began criminal proceedings for the deliberate destruction of foreign property towards the end of August last year. With VDD's support, both individuals responsible for these damaging acts were apprehended in early September. The investigation revealed that the suspects had filmed their acts of destruction and sent the video materials to their task givers, suggesting a well-coordinated effort related to foreign interference.

Following the accumulation of evidence linking these criminal acts to Russian interests, VDD took over the criminal case from the State Police in October for further investigation. This development underscores ongoing concerns in Latvia regarding espionage and sabotage attributed to foreign entities, particularly in relation to critical national infrastructure, and reflects the heightened scrutiny of activities perceived as undermining national security.