Azerbaijani Student Jailed in Latvia for Supplying Starlink to Russia
Arrest of Azerbaijani student in Latvia
A Riga city court has sentenced Azerbaijani national Ali Khalilov, who was studying in Latvia.
According to Latvian state television, the court sentenced him 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.
Prosecutor Roberts Urdzinš had sought the maximum sentence of 12 years. Khalilov did not admit guilt.
The Allegations: Supplying Russia with Restricted Goods
The case centers around allegations that Khalilov and others were involved in a scheme to supply goods, including Starlink satellite internet systems, to Russia between June and October 2024. Latvian authorities allege this violated international sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The prosecution contends that the group operated with significant funds, enabling them to place large orders for these restricted items.
Investigators discovered Starlink equipment that had not yet been sold during searches. Prosecutors claim the scheme involved individuals both inside and outside Latvia, who allegedly smuggled the goods into Russia for profit, utilizing drivers of cargo and passenger transport. Alongside the Starlink systems, the group is accused of procuring tactical backpacks, weapons components, optical sights and other military-grade equipment, with a total estimated value of approximately €200,000.
The Role of Starlink and EU Sanctions
Starlink, developed by SpaceX, provides satellite internet access via ground terminals. The systems have develop into strategically key, particularly since the war in Ukraine, offering communication capabilities in areas with limited infrastructure. The European Union imposed a ban on the transfer of such systems to Russia, citing concerns that they could be used for military purposes.
Latvian authorities are treating the case not only as a breach of sanctions but also as aiding Russia in its actions against Ukraine. The State Security Service (VDD) initiated the criminal case on October 9, 2024, and requested prosecution on March 5, 2025, against Khalilov and three other individuals: Danila Gochulaks, Alens Navickas, and Maria Mikheeva. The latter three are accused of assisting Khalilov with tasks such as opening bank accounts, tracking deliveries, and receiving equipment.
Khalilov’s Actions and the Investigation
Prosecutors allege that Khalilov, an Azerbaijani citizen residing in Riga, was the central organizer of the scheme. They claim he purchased at least 85 prepaid SIM cards to circumvent ordering restrictions and created over 40 email accounts using false identities. He allegedly placed more than 60 Starlink orders using bank accounts belonging to others. Investigators say the group delivered 45 Starlink devices to the Gorbushka market in Moscow, allegedly selling them to a person linked to the Akhmat unit, a pro-Russian military group.
The investigation also points to shipments destined for the Luhansk region of Ukraine and the alleged transfer of access data for some of the equipment. Authorities have identified around 20 individuals potentially involved in the network, with several others remaining unidentified. The VDD continues to investigate additional episodes related to the case.
What Remains Unclear
While the court has delivered a verdict, several details remain unclear. The full extent of the network and the identities of all involved parties have not been publicly disclosed. The specific end-users of the equipment within Russia and their intended applications are also not fully known. It remains unclear how the group managed to procure and transport such a large quantity of restricted goods without raising earlier alarms.
Legal Process and Next Steps
Following the VDD’s investigation and the prosecutor’s request for charges, the case proceeded to trial in September 2025. Khalilov initially waived legal counsel but later retained representation. The court’s sentencing on March 17, 2026, included an 11-year prison term, three years of probation, deportation from Latvia, and a five-year entry ban. It is currently unknown if Khalilov intends to appeal the verdict.
The case highlights Latvia’s commitment to enforcing EU sanctions and preventing the flow of restricted goods to Russia. It also underscores the challenges of combating illicit trade networks that exploit vulnerabilities in international supply chains.
