At the end of February this year, officers from the Organized Crime, Serious and Serial Crimes Division of the Main Criminal Police Department of the State Police in Riga arrested four individuals on suspicion of human trafficking and pimping committed by an organized group that recruited women, including a minor, to provide sexual services for remuneration. The criminal group organized the activities of the women, attracted clients, and took a large portion of the earned income.
In December 2025, a criminal process was initiated by the State Police under part two of Article 154.¹ of the Criminal Law (on human trafficking if committed against a minor or by a group of individuals in conspiracy), and in January 2026, it was further qualified under part three of Article 165 of the Criminal Law (on the exploitation for selfish purposes of a person engaged in prostitution if committed by an organized group or against a person who has not reached the age of sixteen).
During the pre-trial investigation, it was established that during a period that is still being clarified, but no later than from August 2025 to February 24, 2026, an organized criminal group of four individuals operated in Riga. They were engaged in pimping and recruiting women to provide sexual services for payment.
According to information obtained during the investigation, about five women, including one minor, operated under the guidance of the group. The group members provided them with housing for the provision of sexual services and also organized the placement of advertisements on internet sites.
To communicate with clients, the phone numbers indicated in the advertisements were used — communication took place through internet applications, where the terms of services and the amount of payment were agreed upon. If necessary, trips to clients were organized, and their safety was ensured.
It was established that the organized group kept about 70% of the earned income, regularly — almost every evening — collecting the money earned during the day.
Sexual services were provided in short-term rented apartments, the costs of which were covered by the pimps. To avoid exposure, the group members regularly changed their places of residence and did not stay in them for long.
On February 24, 2026, officers arrested four individuals born in 1991, 1998, 2001, and 2004. For three of the suspects, the court chose a measure of restraint in the form of detention, while for one — a measure not related to deprivation of liberty.
Currently, the investigation into the criminal case is ongoing.
The State Police reminds that no person is considered guilty until their guilt in committing a crime is proven in accordance with the law.
