The VDD told LETA that criminal proceedings were launched before Russia's extensive invasion of Ukraine last year, i.e. the proceedings date back as far as March 10, 2021. In the course of the VDD investigation, it has been established that, at least since 2015, Mališevs has been in the illegally occupied area of Luhansk, the so-called “Luhansk People's Republic”.
The information obtained by the VDD shows that Mališevs was a long-standing participant in an illegally constituted military formation, the “14th Territorial Defense Battalion” of the so-called Luhansk People's Republic. He participated in military operations and attacks against the Ukrainian national armed forces.
Mališevs has now been announced internationally wanted. VDD calls for any information on his current whereabouts to be sent to [email protected].
The Prosecutor's Office confirmed to LETA that the man had been charged in August last year. Given that he was announced as wanted, the process has been suspended.
Changes to the Criminal Law, which prohibits illegal participation in armed conflict abroad, entered into force on February 19, 2015.
In recent years, the VDD has prosecuted several criminal proceedings against Latvian nationals for warfare with the Russian-backed troops in East Ukraine. Some were detained in Latvia and convicted, while others were announced in international search.
