A Riga city court sentenced Azerbaijani national Ali Khalilov, a Latvian student, to 11 years in prison and three years of probation supervision. The court also ordered his deportation from Latvia and imposed a five-year entry ban as additional penalties. The prosecutor sought the maximum sentence of 12 years, which Khalilov did not admit.
Investigations revealed an organised group operating in Latvia from June to mid-October 2024, facilitating sanctions evasion. This group ordered over 60 Starlink Mini kits online, with Khalilov detained in mid-October. Unsold Starlink equipment was discovered, and prosecutors allege the scheme involved individuals both inside and outside Latvia smuggling goods into Russia for payment using transport drivers.
Khalilov is accused of using prepaid SIM cards, creating numerous email accounts, and placing Starlink orders through other people’s bank accounts. Evidence suggests Starlink Mini devices could be installed on combat drones, with 45 devices delivered to the Gorbushka market in Moscow and sold to a person linked to the Akhmat unit. Shipments were also directed towards the Luhansk area, and access data was transferred.
Latvian authorities have identified approximately 20 individuals involved, though some remain unidentified. The investigation uncovered the import of military-related items, including tactical backpacks, weapons components, optical sights, calibrators, chronographs, and meteorological devices with ballistic calculators, alongside the Starlink equipment. The group also purchased bullets and casings in Poland, with an estimated total value of €200,000.
This activity is viewed as assisting Russia in its actions against Ukraine, violating EU sanctions. The case highlights the strategic importance of Starlink, particularly since SpaceX began providing internet services to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. Concerns remain regarding the potential use of Starlink technology in Russia.
Latvian authorities, through the State Security Service (VDD), initiated criminal proceedings in October 2024, leading to the arrest of several individuals and ongoing investigations. The 11-year sentence reflects the seriousness of violating sanctions and assisting a hostile power. This Azerbaijani case underscores the impact of sanctions enforcement in latvia.
Topics: #latvia #azerbaijani #years
