Fraudsters attempt to extort money from relatives of Latvians missing in Nepal
State Police warn of fraudsters targeting relatives of Latvians missing in Nepal. Such offers should be reported to police.
Fraudsters exploit Nepal catastrophe to extort money from relatives of victims
State Police have reported that they have received information about fraudsters attempting to extort money from relatives of Latvians missing without trace in Nepal, according to Apollo.
The fraudsters have made contact with relatives of the victims, inviting them to meet in person and promising to provide "latest" information about the missing individuals — including offering clairvoyant services.
Police have emphasised that assistance and information provided by state and municipal institutions to relatives is always direct and no compensation is requested for it. Police advise that accurate and reliable information should be obtained by following official announcements from the Foreign Ministry.
Residents who have received such paid offers are urged to report them to State Police.
As a reminder — on 26 August, a glacier collapse in Nepal triggered extensive water and mud floods, causing damage in both Nepal and China. By the morning of 31 August, at least 900 people had died in the natural disaster, with approximately 4200 missing without trace.
Latvian tourist groups, including yoga enthusiasts from "Yantra" and a smaller group from a local company "Mighty Himalayan Trek", were located near the epicentre of the accident. The Foreign Ministry is aware that three Latvian residents were not harmed in the floods, whilst 33 are still considered missing without trace.
Source: Apollo