Criminal Policy: National Gang Groups in Latvia Will Displace International Criminals 0 14

The groups identified so far in Latvia have typically consisted of representatives from different nationalities. In recent years, such groups have engaged in various types of criminal activities. "These include drugs, excise goods, and other areas capable of generating quick profits, with such groups increasingly operating at an international level," said a police representative.

"Given the geopolitical situation and the hybrid war of Russia and Belarus against the EU, as well as the rapid increase in the number of arrivals from Africa and Asia, who come to Latvia allegedly for educational purposes, and taking into account the experience of developed EU and Scandinavian countries, it can be predicted that ethnic criminal groups may form in Latvia in the near future," noted Ozola.

According to the experience of other countries, combating immigrant criminal groups - Muslims, Hindus, and others - is difficult due to language and cultural differences. Therefore, such groups need to be given special attention not only at the law enforcement level but also at the state and political levels, emphasized Ozola.

According to data from the State Police, from 2024 until March 18 of this year, 476 citizens of third countries have been recognized as suspects in Latvia. Among them are 173 citizens of Russia, 143 of Ukraine, and 41 citizens of Moldova, as well as citizens of Belarus, India, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

Primarily, citizens of third countries commit crimes such as driving under the influence, theft, fraud, laundering of criminal proceeds, illegal drug trafficking, failure to comply with a protection order against violence, threats of bodily harm, and others.