Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) conducted searches on September 3 at four locations in Riga and the Riga region connected to the Mnogoknig bookstore chain, the Latvian news outlet Delfi reported. The searches were part of a criminal investigation opened on July 28 into suspected violations of EU sanctions, the security service said, without disclosing further details due to the interests of the investigation.
The chain's largest store, on Augusta Deglava Street in Riga, was closed to customers, with a notice on the door saying it was shut "for technical reasons."
Mnogoknig sells, among other items, literature in Russian. On September 1, Latvia introduced a ban on importing for sale in the country a range of goods from Russia and Belarus, including books, newspapers, and other printed matter. The restrictions also cover clothing, footwear, toys, and sports equipment.
The ban applies not only to direct imports from Russia and Belarus but also to goods produced in those countries and brought in from third countries. Transit to other EU states remains permitted, and Russian- or Belarusian-made products can still be brought into Latvia from other EU member states, such as Lithuania.
Latvian authorities have linked the ban to enhancing security and reducing Russia's and Belarus's ability to earn export revenue, as well as curbing the spread of propaganda materials.