The State Police is aware of the risk that with rising fuel prices, interest in illegal ways of acquiring it may increase; however, there are currently no grounds to predict a significant or systematic increase in such crimes in Latvia, writes LETA.
The police explained to the agency that, based on existing statistics and previous European trends, there is a clear correlation: the higher the prices for legal fuel, the greater the incentive for the development of the illegal market.
This situation can manifest in several forms. Firstly, it involves the illegal storage and sale of fuel 'from hand' or at illegal gas stations. Secondly, the circulation of smuggled or illegally imported fuel. Thirdly, tax evasion schemes, such as 'relabeling' fuel or using it for unintended purposes.
At the same time, the current situation in Latvia is assessed as relatively moderate.
Firstly, there are no signs of a sharp or organized increase in this segment. Previous experience shows that such actions are episodic and more often occur at the local level rather than as large-scale coordinated schemes of organized crime. The crisis in the Hormuz Strait cannot be called a predictable event, so criminals did not have time to prepare for changes.
Secondly, it should be noted that border control and logistical restrictions in the region still reduce the possibilities for large-scale smuggling, and financial and customs control mechanisms have been significantly strengthened in recent years. Public tolerance for such actions is also gradually decreasing.
Thirdly, a recent case in Carnikava confirms that the State Police is actively working on both solving such crimes and preventing them. Such illegal gas stations are usually organized locally and are comparatively quickly identified.
"The State Police is aware of the risk that with rising fuel prices, interest in illegal solutions may increase; however, at this time, there are no grounds to predict a significant or systematic increase in such crimes in Latvia. At the same time, the police continue to closely monitor the situation and respond promptly if necessary," the police emphasized.
As previously reported, at the end of March, the State Police shut down an illegal gas station in Carnikava.
A man born in 1970, who had not previously come to the attention of the police, was detained on suspicion of illegally selling diesel fuel. During three urgent searches, a container with approximately 14 tons of diesel fuel was discovered.
A hose and fuel nozzles were connected to the tank.
A vehicle containing about 850 liters of diesel fuel was also stopped.
The seized fuel has been transferred to the State Supply Agency for storage, and an examination will be conducted. The value of the seized fuel on the illegal market is estimated at around 25,000 euros.
