The State Police detained two men in Riga suspected of a series of fuel thefts from gas stations. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered about 400 liters of petroleum products, as well as amphetamine and stolen license plates.
The State Police reported the detention of two men suspected of a series of fuel thefts from gas stations in Riga and its surroundings. This is already the second such criminal case uncovered in the last month.
The investigation began after a report was received on July 27 from a gas station on Krasta Street. According to the police, an unknown individual filled a car with 120 liters of fuel and left the station without paying for the purchase.
During a check of the surrounding area, police noticed a Volkswagen Passat at another gas station that matched the description. The car was stopped on Latgales Street, and the two men inside, born in 1972 and 1977, were detained.
Both suspects had previous convictions. One of them, according to the police, had previously been held accountable for similar fuel thefts, while the other had been convicted for thefts from commercial properties.
The check revealed other violations as well. The driver did not have a driver's license, the vehicle had not passed a technical inspection, and the registration plates affixed to it were stolen from another vehicle.
Additionally, the driver's behavior raised suspicions that he might be under the influence of narcotic substances. Both detainees were sent for examination, the results of which are not yet ready. During the inspection of the vehicle, police also discovered 0.34 grams of amphetamine.
The largest find was the fuel, presumably stolen from gas stations. A plastic barrel was found in the car's cabin, and four canisters with petroleum products were located in the trunk. A total of about 400 liters of fuel was seized.
According to the gas station security service, on July 27 alone, the suspects managed to commit four thefts at gas stations in the Krasta Street area. However, the police believe that the number of incidents may be significantly higher. According to the investigation, the men used various stolen state registration numbers to complicate their identification.
On July 29, the court chose a measure of restraint in the form of detention for both suspects.
This is already the second case in a short time related to serial fuel thefts. In early July, the police detained another suspect who, according to the investigation, was stealing fuel using premium-class vehicles. At that time, at least six episodes of crimes in Riga and the Riga region were established.
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