11 years of imprisonment for providing support to the Russian army

The court sentenced the defendant to 11 years of imprisonment, three years of probation supervision, and expulsion from the Republic of Latvia, imposing a five-year ban on re-entry. As regards three other defendants – two Latvian citizens and one Latvian non-citizen – the criminal proceedings were separated into a distinct case during the trial.

The investigation established that the organised group ordered several dozen “Starlink Mini Kit” satellite internet systems from the US company “SpaceX” via the internet, which provide internet access from almost any location. The group also acquired other goods suitable for military purposes, including weapon parts, cartridge cases, bullets, and ballistic weather meters. The total value of these goods amounted to approximately 200,000 euros.

These goods were transported to Russia and sold to persons associated with the Russian armed forces, with knowledge that they were intended for use in Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. It was also known that the EU had imposed a prohibition on transferring certain goods to any natural or legal person, entity, or body in Russia.

As a result of these activities, the security interests of Ukraine and the international community were significantly endangered, as substantial support was provided to Russia in carrying out its military aggression against Ukraine.

No person shall be considered guilty until their guilt in committing a criminal offence has been established in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Criminal Procedure Law.

Information prepared by the Prosecution Office of the Republic of Latvia.