Latvian authorities have arrested Matthias Rikka, an Estonian citizen and train photographer, as well as an unnamed Ukrainian national on the suspicion that they conducted espionage on behalf of Russia. Reports from Estonian media cite Latvia’s State Security Service (VDD), Estonian officials, and Rikka’s associates. Latvian media indicates that both individuals are suspected of illegally collecting information with the intent of passing it to Russia.
The arrests took place on Feb. 24, but the case only became public on March 9. The detainees are accused of illegally gathering intelligence on critical infrastructure sites. According to the reports, five mobile phones, four drones, two cameras, a USB flash drive, and a concealed surveillance camera aimed at critical infrastructure were seized from the arrested Estonian and Ukrainian citizens. The case has been opened under Latvia’s espionage statute, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
It has also emerged that the suspects had previously been detained in Estonia, on Feb. 12, for operating drones near critical infrastructure sites. One of them had also received an official warning in 2024 that unauthorized filming near critical infrastructure in Latvia was banned.
Screenshot of one of Rikka’s Instagram profiles with the phrase “Heroiam Slava” (lit. “Glory to the Heroes”) alongside a Ukrainian flag.
Meanwhile, one of Rikka’s Instagram profiles features the phrase “Heroiam Slava” (lit. “Glory to the Heroes”) alongside a Ukrainian flag, and his gallery consists mostly of photographs of trains.
His associates on the Baltic Trains Picture website posted a statement following his arrest, which was cited by Delfi:
“Our friend Matthias Rikka was arrested on February 24. He is currently being held in Riga Central Prison. He is suspected of espionage under §85.1. Unfortunately, he has become a victim of the Latvian authorities’ paranoia. We all know this is nonsense.”