Media: Investigation launched into Latvian MEP’s ties with Russia’s FSB

The Latvian State Security Service has launched a criminal investigation into allegations that Tatjana Ždanoka, a Latvian politician and Member of the European Parliament (MEP), has been spying for Russian intelligence services, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports.

Reports regarding Ždanoka's ties emerged in 2024 following an article by The Insider, an investigative newspaper. The article said that the Latvian MEP collaborated with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) for an extended period, promoting pro-Kremlin sentiments within her native Baltic region.

Later, Ždanoka denied the reports, saying that she didn't cooperate with international intelligence agencies.

The ongoing investigation conducted by the Latvian State Security Service reveals that Ždanoka actively communicated with Russian individuals, who are FSB agents, exchanging correspondence that included reports on her activities within Latvia.

In a statement to the Latvian Re:Baltica, Ždanoka neither confirmed nor denied the authenticity of the emails or her connections with their Russian recipients. However, she declined to comment on the content of her communications, stating that access to the emails was obtained unlawfully.

Ždanoka's tenure as a Member of the European Parliament is set to expire this year. Earlier, she faced expulsion from the European Green Party faction after she refused to condemn Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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