Kidnappings, extortion, weapons, and drugs: Investigation into a high-profile criminal case in Latvia completed 0 75

The prosecutor's office has received materials for initiating criminal prosecution against four men whom the police believe are involved in a series of serious crimes committed in Karsava, Ludza municipality.

The investigation began in early 2026 after receiving information about the extortion of money from three young men born in 2004, 2003, and 1997.

According to the investigation, at the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, the perpetrators forcibly placed the victims in a car, held them against their will, and used violence in an attempt to obtain money.

The victims were found to have both gunshot wounds and injuries resulting from beatings.

Initially, the police detained two suspects — men born in 1989 and 1992. The court chose to impose a measure of detention on them. Later, investigators identified two more individuals involved in the crimes.

During authorized searches, ammunition of various calibers and firearms were found with the two detainees.

During the investigation, the police also uncovered other alleged crimes related to the illegal trafficking of narcotic substances, alcohol, and weapons.

The criminal case includes a total of nine episodes of criminal activity. On July 31, the materials were sent to the prosecutor's office to initiate criminal prosecution.

The defendants are charged with several serious crimes, including illegal deprivation of liberty, extortion, threats of murder, intentional infliction of moderate bodily harm, illegal trafficking of weapons, coercion to give false testimony, and failure to report a serious crime.

The large number of charges indicates that the investigation has gone far beyond the initial episode of extortion and has revealed a whole series of alleged crimes.

The State Police reminds that according to the law, no one is considered guilty until their guilt is proven in court and the corresponding verdict comes into force.