Belarusian citizen convicted of spying for Belarusian military, sentenced to eight years in prison

RIGA - Riga Vidzeme District Court today convicted a Belarusian citizen of spying for the Belarussian military and sentenced him to eight years in prison plus three years probation, LETA learned at the court.

Once a full verdict is released, it may be appealed within ten days.

As reported, the State Security Service (VDD) in cooperation with the Military Intelligence and Security Service in February detained a Belarusian citizen in suspicion of spying for Belarusian special services. The Belarusian citizen was detained on February 15.

According to VDD, the Belarusian citizen had been collecting information on the National Armed Forces objects and critical infrastructure objects, secretly filming and taking photos, in the interest of Belarusian special services.

During searches, VDD seized technical equipment and data carriers.

The investigation so far suggests that the person has obtained information about at least 17 objects important to the state. The Belarusian citizen had been recruited and trained for spying in Belarus.