The State Security Service of Latvia (VDD) asked the Prosecutor’s Office to prosecute four individuals for purchasing and supplying portable satellite internet systems to the Russian army for use in the war in Ukraine in violation of European Union sanctions.

The Service proposed to prosecute under Articles 77 (2) and 84(3) of the Criminal Law, i.e. for collecting and transferring property to a party to an armed conflict taking place outside the territory of the Republic of Latvia, whose actions are directed against the territorial integrity of another state, as well as for violating EU sanctions against Russia in a group of persons by prior agreement, causing substantial damage. Prosecution is proposed against one Azerbaijani citizen, 2 Latvian citizens and 1 Latvian non-citizen. The VDD is continuing investigations against other persons suspected of involvement in these criminal activities.

On October 9 2024, the VDD opened criminal proceedings on suspicion of providing internet systems to the Russian army. Information obtained by the VDD showed that a group of individuals ordered on the internet and, upon receipt, shipped to Russia several dozen Starlink Mini satellite internet systems, which are portable antennas that provide internet access from almost anywhere, manufactured by the US company SpaceX. The EU has banned the transfer of such systems to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia. The suspects against whom the Service has initiated prosecution are currently being held in custody as a precautionary measure. The Service says that presumption of innocence applies.