Latvia: Ex-Hockey Player Detained Over Railway Arson Linked to Russia

Two men arrested last year in connection with arson attacks targeting Latvian railway infrastructure have backgrounds that diverge from typical suspects, authorities say. The case underscores growing concerns about deliberate sabotage of critical infrastructure amid geopolitical tensions.

“These individuals have a somewhat different profile,” said the head of the State Security Service. “The older of the two was a professional athlete at one time. He also worked in other countries outside of Latvia, but unfortunately turned to this type of activity against the state, which carries very serious criminal responsibility.”

Neither the State Security Service nor prosecutors have released the names of those involved. However, sources in hockey circles suggest one of the suspects is likely 27-year-classic defenseman Deniss Berdņiks, who most recently played for a Kyiv hockey team that relocated to Riga due to the war. According to reports, Berdņiks’ contract with the club was not renewed after last season, and he has had no further contact with the team.

The State Security Service initiated criminal proceedings in early March against the two Latvian citizens for intentionally damaging railway infrastructure in the interests of Russia, resulting in 372,014 euros in damages. Prosecutors have charged them with aiding a foreign power against another state and the intentional destruction or damage of property.

Authorities allege the men doused railway relay cabinets, lighting distribution boxes, and a diesel locomotive with fuel from plastic bottles before igniting them with matches. In some instances, one of the suspects acted alone, repeating the process on additional relay cabinets. A total of five arson incidents occurred at various locations, with three carried out by both suspects and two by one suspect acting independently.

Both suspects are currently being held in custody, according to information released by the security service. Delfi.lv reports that one of the suspects allegedly established contact through messaging apps with individuals who indirectly advance Russia’s strategic goals and organize non-military operations aimed at harming Ukraine, and agreed to carry out the arson in exchange for payment and the creation of video recordings for propaganda purposes.