The criminal case was launched on November 28 last year by the Service in connection with anti-governmental activities in channels on the Telegram communication application by people calling themselves “Baltic anti-fascists”
At the time, the Service initiated criminal proceedings for assistance to a foreign state in an action directed against the Republic of Latvia
The Service has currently changed the legal qualification of “Baltic anti-fascists” as the information obtained during the investigation shows that “criminal activities have been committed specifically within the framework of a criminal organization created for this purpose”, the Service said.
According to the information available to the service, this organization was established in November 2022 by at least five Latvian citizens, “in agreement with each other on the objectives to be achieved, which includes committing particularly serious crimes against the State of Latvia”, the Service said.
According to VDD, these Telegram channels collect information about Latvian officials and other public persons whose activities are directed against Russian interests. Sensitive information is also published in channels, such as their likely place of residence and family members. The so-called “anti-fascists” point out that the information is intended to be transmitted to the Russian special services and other authorities of the aggressor in order to take action against them.
These channels also regularly support Russia's advanced war in Ukraine.
As part of criminal proceedings, three persons currently have the right status of a suspect. Three more persons have the status of the person against whom criminal proceedings have been initiated.
THE VDD warns that involvement in the crimes of the criminal organization Baltic antifascists is subject to criminal responsibility.
The conduct of a criminal organization or participation in the crimes committed by such an organization may be subject to life imprisonment or deprivation of liberty for a period of ten to twenty years, confiscating property or without seizure of property, and probation supervision for a period of up to three years.
