Maizitis warns of heightened activity by Russian intelligence services ahead of Saeima elections

RIGA - Constitutional Protection Bureau Chief Janis Maizitis warns of risks associated with heightened activity by Russian intelligence services ahead of this year's Saeima elections.

Maizitis told LETA that one of the tasks of foreign intelligence services is to monitor political processes. ''This is task of all foreign intelligence services, especially from those countries which are not as friendly towards us,'' he admitted.

The head of the Constitutional Protection Bureau said that elections are the culmination of politics, where much is determined. Asked whether he believes there is a risk of heightened activities of Russian intelligence services in Latvia ahead of the Saeima elections, Maizitis answered in the affirmative. ''Of course I see increased risks associated with their activities,'' he said.