Riga gang case handed to prosecution
The State Police has completed their investigation and sent a substantial criminal case to the prosecution against 11 members of an armed organised crime group who allegedly kidnapped a man in Riga this spring and are suspected of other serious crimes.
Riga gang case handed to prosecution
Staff from the Riga region's police department have concluded a wide-ranging investigation into an organised armed group and handed the case to prosecutors to initiate charges against 11 people. The State Police reports on this progress.
In March of this year, specifically on the 25th, four of the suspects broke into a man's flat in the centre of the capital. They overpowered the victim, placed him in their car and drove off in an unknown direction. Meanwhile, two other accomplices drove away in a vehicle belonging to the victim.
Operational officers conducted a special operation at that same time, as a result of which they detained four criminals and freed the kidnapped man. Three more group members were apprehended later. It transpired that some of these criminals are already behind bars for previous offences.
Investigators have established that these same individuals are linked to several other unlawful acts. These include deliberate arson of a car, threats made against people, as well as the purchase and accumulation of illegal substances in large quantities. Additionally, it has been found that unauthorised communication devices and their components were illegally held in places of confinement.
The law-enforcement agency's searches yielded significant evidence. It was established that the group had been preparing for resistance — firearms and ammunition were found in their possession. One of the detainees also used forged identity documents.
Several separate criminal proceedings were consolidated into one case. It includes Article 224, part two of the Criminal Code on gangsterism, Article 281, part one on kidnapping, as well as other articles concerning threats, narcotics and unauthorised communication devices in prison. Five of the accused have been remanded in custody.
On 8 October, the case was submitted to the prosecution with a request to initiate criminal proceedings against all 11 individuals. The authorities emphasise that the suspects are considered innocent until a court has found them guilty in the manner provided for by law. The police have not yet provided detailed information on the motives and full course of events.
Source: Google News LV — Crime (lv)