Riga man detained over preparations for kidnapping of two hostages
State Police launched criminal proceedings in January over a suspected hostage abduction; the detainee was handed over to the prosecutor's office in February.
Suspected perpetrator handed to prosecutor's office over planned hostage abduction
State Police have prevented the abduction of at least two individuals by detaining the suspect whilst the offence was still at the stage of preparation, reports Google News LV — Crime (lv). The investigation has been completed and the case has been submitted to the Riga Regional Court Prosecutor's Office to commence prosecution.
The suspected perpetrator is a man born in 1979, who is charged with preparations for kidnapping with the aim of unlawfully obtaining financial resources from the victims.
Officials from the First Division of the Organised Crime, Serious and Serial Offences Investigation Unit of the General Criminal Police Department of the State Police initiated criminal proceedings in January of this year following receipt of operational information. During the investigation, the case was reclassified in accordance with Part 2 of Article 154 and Part 3 of Article 15 of the Criminal Law — for preparations for kidnapping.
In February 2026, officials detained the suspected man in the Riga region. The very next day, Riga City Court issued a ruling on remand in custody. During a search of the person's residence, several items with evidentiary significance were seized.
The detainee has previous convictions for particularly serious criminal offences. As recently as September 2025, he was convicted of procuring indecency.
The investigation was completed on 19 August of this year and the case was submitted to the prosecutor's office to commence prosecution.
For preparations for kidnapping, the law provides for deprivation of liberty from three to twelve years, with or without confiscation of property, as well as probation supervision for a period of up to three years.
State Police remind that no one is considered guilty until guilt has been proven in the manner prescribed by law.
Source: Google News LV — Crime (lv)