Estonian Internal Security Service detains Aivo Peterson

At the end of February, Peterson drew attention when he visited the Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine on his trip to Russia. Photo: Kaader Petersoni Videost

The Estonian Internal Security Service has detained Aivo Peterson, a pro-Kremlin activist who received over 3,000 votes in the recent Riigikogu elections in East-Viru County, the daily Postimees writes.

The Internal Security Service detained three men on suspicion of establishing relations against the Republic of Estonia. This is an initial suspicion, which may change or be specified in the course of the proceedings.

Among those detained are two Estonian citizens and one Russian citizen with an Estonian residence permit. One of the detainees is Aivo Peterson, the daily writes.

Since the preliminary procedural steps regarding all three are still ongoing, it is not possible to answer more detailed questions about the investigation at this time, the Internal Security Service said.

The criminal proceedings are being conducted by the Internal Security Service and led by the Office of the Prosecutor General.

At the end of February, Peterson drew attention when he visited the Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine on his trip to Russia. Interior Minister Lauri Laanemets said then that Peterson poses a security threat to Estonia and had to have cooperated with Russian special services to get to the front line.