The Latvian State Police (Valsts policija) has arrested one of Latvia's most notorious criminals following an intelligence-led operation supported by Europol and Eurojust. 

In simultaneous actions, ten additional members of the same organised crime group were apprehended in Riga, Latvia, while six others were arrested in Lloret de Mar and Valencia, Spain, in collaboration with the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional).

The main suspect has been one of the key figures in the Latvian criminal world. He was known for his luxurious lifestyle, despite having no legal income sources, and actively travelled abroad. To evade capture, he moved around in a specially equipped van accompanied by three armed bodyguards, illustrating the high level of security measures he maintained.

This individual is suspected of leading a network involved in serious offenses, including international drugs trafficking and money laundering on an industrial scale.

Arrests during the action day

• 10 in Latvia
• 6 in Spain

Seizures during the action day

• Over EUR 110 000 in cash
• Two firearms, 95 rounds of ammunition, four airsoft hand grenades, two bulletproof vests
• 13 kilos of marijuana
• Ten properties
• Counterfeit ID documents
• 4 vehicles
• Cryptocurrency wallets
• Luxury watches

The arrested individuals are currently in custody and will face charges related to their involvement in the criminal group’ activities. Three of the suspects were arrested in Spain based on European Arrests Warrants issued by Latvia. The operation is part of an ongoing effort to dismantle the network entirely, with further investigations underway.

International cooperation

The arrests were the result of extensive international cooperation and intelligence-sharing.

This was one of Europol’s priority cases. The Agency pooled together all the available intelligence, working closely with the Latvian authorities to map out the activities of this organised crime group.

During the action day, three Latvian investigators were deployed in Spain. A Europol expert was also on the ground in Latvia, embedded with the local teams to make sure that the raids and arrests were synchronised. Europol also provided advanced forensic and technical capabilities, aiding in the collection and analysis of critical evidence that will be used in the prosecution of the suspects.

The judicial cooperation was coordinated between Latvia and Spain by Eurojust.

The action day was supported financially by the @ON Network funded by the EU (Project ISF4@ON) led by the Italian Antimafia Investigation Directorate.