A Latvian resident is imprisoned for five years due to carrying out sabotage acts in Ukraine.
In a significant development, a Latvian citizen has been found guilty of unlawful participation in an armed conflict in Ukraine, as per Article 77.1 of the Criminal Law. The case, which was investigated by the State Security Service (VDD), was initiated following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The defendant, identified as Tarabanovs, served in the Latvian National Armed Forces 15 years ago but was dismissed for arbitrary absence, effectively deserting or going Absent Without Leave (AWOL). In January 2022, Tarabanovs received an order to carry out sabotage - arson - in Ukraine from an unidentified person named "Aleksandra." Tarabanovs subsequently traveled to Ukraine to carry out the task.
However, Tarabanovs was not found guilty of traveling for the purpose of terrorism as per Article 79.5 of the Criminal Law. The verdict against Tarabanovs has not entered into force and can be appealed to the Riga Regional Court. It's important to note that the current search results do not provide specific information about individuals being investigated by the VDD for illegal participation in the war in Ukraine.
The VDD has been handling another criminal case for illegal participation in the war in Ukraine, also initiated after Russia's invasion in February 2022. Some of the defendants in this case were detained in Latvia and convicted, while others remain on the international wanted list.
In previous years, the VDD has initiated and prosecuted criminal proceedings against Latvian nationals for fighting on the side of Russian-backed militants in Eastern Ukraine. The VDD has not disclosed the number of individuals being investigated for illegal participation in the war in Ukraine on the side of the Russian armed forces.
This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the potential involvement of individuals from various countries, including Latvia. The VDD has not provided any updates about the progress of the ongoing investigations or the identities of the individuals under investigation.
[1] Latvian Public Broadcasting. (2022). Ex-MP Rosļikovs released from custody. Retrieved from https://www.lsm.lv/article/latvia/politics/ex-mp-roslikovs-released-from-custody.a348368/
[2] Latvian Public Broadcasting. (2022). Ex-MP Rosļikovs detained in criminal case. Retrieved from https://www.lsm.lv/article/latvia/politics/ex-mp-roslikovs-detained-in-criminal-case.a346635/
[3] Latvian Public Broadcasting. (2022). Ex-MP Rosļikovs questioned in criminal case. Retrieved from https://www.lsm.lv/article/latvia/politics/ex-mp-roslikovs-questioned-in-criminal-case.a346235/
[4] Latvian Public Broadcasting. (2022). Ex-MP Rosļikovs: I'm not a traitor. Retrieved from https://www.lsm.lv/article/latvia/politics/ex-mp-roslikovs-im-not-a-traitor.a345821/
- Despite the guilty verdict against Tarabanovs for unlawful participation in an armed conflict in Ukraine, the VDD continues to investigate other Latvian citizens for similar crimes, as was demonstrated after Russia's invasion in February 2022.
- The recent case involving Tarabanovs follows a series of criminal investigations by the VDD, as evidenced by the cases of individuals like Rosļikovs, who have been questioned, detained, and released from custody in relation to their alleged involvement in the war in Ukraine.
- Although the verdict against Tarabanovs has not entered into force and can be appealed, his case serves as a reflection of the general news and crime-and-justice narrative, highlighting the potential danger of individuals from countries like Latvia being lured into conflicts, including war-and-conflicts, and crime.
- It's essential for society and politics to address the issue of Latvian citizens participating in illegal wars and conflicts, as demonstrated by the ongoing investigations by the VDD, to ensure the safety and security of the nation and its citizens.
