European nation creates guide to 'identify Russian spies' as WW3 fears grow

By Richard Ashmore, Senior News Reporter

Latvia has becoming increasingly concerned about Russia spies (Image: Getty )

The dark days of the Cold War and spy espionage have returned to a beautiful Baltic country loved by Brits for weekend holiday breaks. The former Soviet-controlled nation of Latvia is now a member of the European Union and NATO, but the threat from its much larger neighbour Russia has led the security services to issue advice on how to spot potential Kremlin spies.

In new advice issued this week, Latvia’s Defence Intelligence and Security Service, known by the Latvian acronym MIDD, said saboteurs and agents might look like lost tourists or hikers with military haircuts. Telltale signs also included slovenly appearance, mismatched military or sportswear, and a knack for asking locals suspicious questions. According to the security service, such groups may linger near military or critical infrastructure sites, pose as humanitarian workers or stay in remote areas without showing any interest in nature.

Latvia is part of NATO and the European Union but sits precariously on the border with Russia (Image: Getty )

The intelligence service added that some of the suspected spies may carry specialised medical kits, maps or radios.

The Latvian guidance comes as countries across the region, including new NATO members Sweden and Finland, have been issuing booklets with advice on how to survive war or a natural disaster.

Nearby Poland is now preparing its guidelines, while Norway recently published a book with advice on how to survive for one week.

MIDD, one of Latvia’s three security services, alongside the State Security Service and the Constitution Protection Bureau, also warned that Russian saboteurs might also attempt to incite unrest or assassinate “socially significant individuals.”

British soldiers on exercise in Latvia as part of NATO operations (Image: Getty )

It said potential Kremlin agent activities might also be focused on “studying the position of the target country’s society and inciting unrest directed against the existing government.”

In a statement, the MIDD said: “The Ukrainian experience shows that Russian special services are able to adapt,” the report says. Not all spies will fit the mold, and suspicions must be judged in context.

“If you do think you might have spotted a sabotage group on Latvian soil, MIDD does not recommend tackling them yourself. Instead report your suspicions to the State Police, special services, or the nearest armed forces unit.”