December 15, Pozirk. The Latvian State Security Service (VDD) has warned Latvian residents against traveling to Russia or Belarus during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays, citing high risks of recruitment and harassment by the countries’ intelligence services.
VDD points out that Latvian agencies have limited possibilities to help their nationals who are facing difficulties in Russia or Belarus.
The intelligence and security services of Russia and Belarus aggressively use the opportunity to question and recruit foreigners in their territory, it warned.
If travelling to one of these aggressor states cannot be avoided, VDD recommends not taking your mobile phone with you, especially if it contains information related to professional activity or otherwise sensitive information. Data can be extracted from your mobile phone at the border control point, and it can also be infected with spyware. The safest choice is a mobile phone with a pre-paid SIM card which can be discarded after travel. Travelers should also avoid bringing computers, USB sticks and other data mediums.
Identification of potential recruitment targets takes place already at the border control points, as the officers of the intelligence and security services present themselves as border guards or use other covers – those of law enforcement agencies or any other agency of Russia or Belarus.
Latvian residents visited Belarus 400,749 times since the latter adopted a visa-free stay program in April 2022, according to the Belarusian State Border Committee.
Latvian residents were among 123 prisoners pardoned by the Belarusian ruler on December 13.
