Latvia publishes citizen's guide to identify undercover Russian spies

Military Intelligence and Security Service warns about the risk of agents disguised as tourists, humanitarians or campers with sophisticated equipment.

A context of growing tension in Eastern Europe

Latvia's Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) has issued a series of recommendations to the population to detect possible Russian spies operating under cover within the country. These indications are part of MIDD's annual report and come against the backdrop of intensified Russian espionage activities since the start of the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Latvia, which shares a border with Russia and Belarus - the Kremlin's main ally in the region - considers Russian espionage as the main threat to its national security. According to MIDD, Moscow is reportedly sending small groups of three to four undercover agents into Latvian territory for the purposes of sabotage, intelligence gathering, disinformation or even violent actions against political figures adverse to the Russian regime.

How do the agents act and how to recognize them?

Undercover agents may enter the country legally as tourists, business travelers or family visitors. They may also do so illegally, crossing the border forests. In both cases, their behavior can offer clues, although they are increasingly adept at camouflage and do not always fit the classic spy stereotype.

MIDD warns of certain unusual behaviors, such as overly curious tourists traveling with military maps, radios, advanced medical kits or observation equipment. It also warns about campers who stay in wooded areas without showing any real interest in nature, or people who try to engage in conversations about national politics with strangers.

In addition, these individuals often operate in the vicinity of strategic installations, such as military bases or power plants. They may even pose as humanitarian workers or disoriented travelers requesting assistance or access to cell phones of local citizens.

Recommendations to the population

The MIDD clarifies that the presence of one or more of these signs does not in itself confirm the identity of a spy, but urges the public to remain vigilant. In case of well-founded suspicion, it is recommended not to act on one's own, but to immediately notify the police or the armed forces.

As an additional measure, those who feel empowered can try to have a brief conversation with the suspicious person to find out the reasons for their presence, avoiding at all times offering personal data, locations or technical assistance such as the use of one's cell phone.

These measures aim to strengthen internal vigilance against potential hybrid threats in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment in Eastern Europe.

Source: https://www.ilpost.it/2025/05/16/lettonia-guida-spie-russe/