Fraudsters attempt to extort money from relatives of Latvians missing in Nepal
The State Police warn of fraudsters demanding money from relatives of 33 Latvians who went missing in floods in Nepal. Residents are urged to follow announcements from the Foreign Ministry.
Police warn: fraudsters exploit Nepal catastrophe to extort money from relatives of victims
The State Police have received reports of fraudsters who have attempted to obtain money from family members of Latvians reported missing in Nepal, news agency LETA announced, citing police information.
Diena reports that fraudsters have invited the relatives of victims to meet in person, promising to provide "latest" information about the location and identification of the missing persons. Among the services offered were also witchcraft services.
The police emphasised: assistance and information provided by state and municipal institutions to relatives in this situation is direct and free of charge. Under no circumstances is any payment demanded for it.
Law enforcers urge residents to obtain accurate and reliable information by following the official announcements of the Foreign Ministry. If any resident has received offers requiring payment, they should report this to the State Police immediately.
Scale of the catastrophe
On 26 August, a glacier collapse occurred in Nepal, which caused an ice avalanche and mudslide from a glacial lake. The floods caused extensive damage in both Nepal and China. By the morning of 31 August, the death toll from the natural disaster had reached at least 900, with approximately 4,200 reported missing.
A large group of Latvian tourists was in the vicinity of the disaster epicentre, organised by yoga enthusiasts from the association "Yantra", as well as a smaller group operating under the leadership of a local company "Mighty Himalayan Trek". The Foreign Ministry is aware that three Latvian residents who were in the region at the time were not affected by the floods, while 33 are still considered to be missing.
Source: Diena