Police have detained more than 200 people in connection with phone fraud over the past two years

Police have detained more than 200 people in connection with phone fraud over the past two years 0

The State Police have detained more than 200 people over the past two years in connection with so-called phone frauds, according to information provided by the Ministry of the Interior to the Saeima's Commission on Requests, reports LETA.

Data collected by the Ministry of the Interior shows that in 2024 and 2025, the activities of five fraudulent "call centers" were disrupted, with searches conducted in Latvia and Ukraine, focusing on investment frauds as well as schemes involving fake police officers and bank employees.

As a result of the investigators' work, assets worth over 3.5 million euros have been seized, five individuals have been detained in Latvia, six European arrest warrants have been issued, 102 searches have been conducted, 89 victims have been identified, and 12 individuals have been brought to criminal responsibility, with the total damage estimated at 3.1 million euros.

The Cybercrime Unit of the State Police has detained more than 200 people over the past two years as part of various criminal processes. Among them are individuals involved in the legalization of criminally obtained funds, so-called "mules" and recruiters, as well as individuals directly involved in the fraud, such as operators.

The Ministry of the Interior also reminded the commission that in October 2025, the State Police, together with Europol and law enforcement agencies from Austria, participated in the international operation "SIM Cartel." During the searches, mobile phones, laptops, system units, servers, SIM-box devices, documents, payment means, three cars, a motorcycle, and other physical evidence were seized. A total of approximately 1.2 million euros in cash has been arrested. Four members of the organized group have been detained as part of the criminal processes.

The Ministry of the Interior also reminded that the ministry has developed and is promoting amendments to the Electronic Communications Law, which stipulate the obligation for electronic communications operators to ensure the registration of users of prepaid communication services. At the beginning of February, the draft law was submitted to the State Chancellery for consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers.