Latvian Politician Arrested for Alleged Espionage for Russia

A board member of the Latvian political party "Kopā Latvijai" has been arrested on suspicion of espionage for Russian intelligence services. Ilja Podkolzins was detained by the State Security Service (VDD) and subsequently ordered arrested by a court.

According to reports from TV3's "Nekā personīga," Podkolzins allegedly provided information to the group "Baltijas antifašisti" (Baltic Anti-fascists). This group, reportedly linked to Russian special services, is said to have been interested in military cargo and individuals supporting Ukraine. The "Baltijas antifašisti" channel, created on Telegram four years ago, aimed to portray itself as a widespread underground organization in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, soliciting information about alleged "Nazis" and NATO troop movements.

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I recommend him, as he has been my classmate since school days, and I know him very well. He participated in political activities before as well. He was a deputy of the Daugavpils council, and I had enough confirmation of him on the board.

Podkolzins, a former member of the Daugavpils City Council, recently returned to politics and joined the board of "Kopā Latvijai," a party led by former Rezekne mayor Aleksandrs Bartasevičs. Bartasevičs confirmed he recommended Podkolzins for the board, citing a long-standing personal acquaintance. Vladislavs Bartasevičs, a Riga City Council member from the same party and son of Aleksandrs, also acknowledged knowing Podkolzins as his father's former classmate.

Unofficial sources suggest Podkolzins's arrest is connected to the activities of the "Baltijas antifašisti" group. The group's alleged leader, Sergejs Vasiljevs, who fled Latvia, is reportedly positioning himself as a fighter against "fascism" in the Baltics. Information gathered by the "Dossier Center," a project by Russian opposition figures in exile, reportedly includes data on the messages received by the "Baltijas antifašisti" Telegram channel from Baltic residents.

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I know him. Yes, he is my father's classmate. That's how far I know him. Well, to characterize, I know that he was involved in politics in Daugavpils at one time. He also worked in the process of establishing the "Kopā Latvijai" party.