The Lithuanian Ministry of State Security (DSS) reported a coordinated operation involving law enforcement authorities from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The incident led to the detention of individuals believed to be connected with Russian intelligence services. The Lithuanian Security Service publicized the update on its official website, emphasizing the cross-border nature of the case and the involvement of Baltic security partners.
Officials described the action as a joint effort among security and law enforcement agencies from the three Baltic states. Suspects were detained in Latvia and Estonia on orders tied to Russian intelligence interests, with Latvia and Estonia serving as the field of alleged activities. The formal statement stressed that the operations were executed in the context of ongoing cooperation aimed at countering foreign intelligence efforts within the Baltic region.
Details about the number of detainees were not disclosed in the published release. Available information indicates that among those detained there are individuals with Estonian citizenship as well as people holding dual citizenship of Estonia and the Russian Federation. The release specified that those held in Estonia faced accusations of anti-state activities, while those detained in Latvia were alleged to have assisted Russian special services in actions directed against Latvia.
Arrests linked to this operation have been reported since December 2023, marking a continued effort to disrupt foreign intelligence operations and safeguard regional security.
Earlier developments included a statement by the Lithuanian Prosecutor General’s Office regarding an investigation into the alleged operation of a CIA facility within the Lithuanian Republic. The published press release noted that the activities of former leaders of the Lithuanian State Security Service, Mecis Laurinkus, Arvydas Pocius, and Dainius Dabasinskas, showed disciplinary concerns. The inquiry was terminated due to the passage of the statutory time limit.
Historical notes reference a 2009 report by an American television outlet describing a secret CIA facility used to detain suspected terrorists near Vilnius during the period from 2004 to 2005. These archival reports are part of a broader public record concerning international counterterrorism facilities and the oversight of intelligence activities by foreign and domestic authorities.
At the same time, officials have urged transparency about security challenges in the region and stressed the importance of clear communication regarding the evolving situation in Ukraine. The Baltic states continue to monitor security threats and reinforce cooperative mechanisms with allied partners to ensure rapid responses to intelligence-related risks.
Overall, the ongoing investigations and arrests reflect a broader pattern of intelligence activity in the Baltic region, underscoring the need for sustained intergovernmental collaboration, rigorous due process, and careful public communication. The authorities in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia remain committed to countering external interference while safeguarding the rights of individuals under inquiry. The public updates emphasize cooperation, vigilance, and a shared determination to uphold national security across the Baltic states.
Cited: Lithuanian Security Service briefing and related official statements detailing the joint operation and subsequent investigations.