Latvia’s State Security Service searches Mnogoknig, a bookstore chain that sells Russian
Latvian security services raided Mnogoknig bookstores as part of an investigation into potential violations of EU sanctions against Russia. The raids follow a recent ban on the import of Russian-language printed materials into Latvia.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between EU sanctions enforcement and the availability of Russian cultural goods in Baltic states.
Latvia’s State Security Service searches Mnogoknig, a bookstore chain that sells Russian-language books September 4, 2026, 8:59 am Source: Delfi Latvia’s State Security Service (VDD) searched four locations of the Mnogoknig bookstore chain on the afternoon of September 3.
The chain’s largest store, on Augusta Deglava Street in Riga, was among the sites targeted. It closed to customers, with a sign on the door saying it was shut “for technical reasons.”
The VDD told Delfi that the searches were conducted “as part of a criminal case opened on July 28 of this year on suspicion of violating EU sanctions.”
The VDD declined to disclose further details of the case, citing the interests of the investigation.
Mnogoknig, among other things, sells Russian-language literature.
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