LATVIA

Fighting organized crime in Latvia

Latvia is located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe where it shares borders with Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania and Russia, as well as a maritime border with Sweden.

This geographical location makes the country attractive to regional organized crime groups wishing to carry out smuggling operations between Asia and Europe, particularly in relation to drugs, stolen weapons, people trafficking and excise goods such as alcohol and cigarettes.

The international characteristics of these crime areas and their links with crime networks around the world make the role of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Latvia fundamental to maintaining national and regional security.

INTERPOL in Latvia

NCB Riga plays a central role in preventing the country and surrounding region from serving international organized crime. By providing globally sourced intelligence about regional trends, the NCB helps police officers across Latvia to detect and investigate the flow of illicit goods along trafficking routes in and around the country.

The NCB regularly takes part in INTERPOL-led police operations in the region, particularly against criminal organizations involved in drugs, financial crime and cybercrime. Fugitive investigations are also a high priority for Latvia.

INTERPOL Riga plays a key national role in tackling terrorism, crimes against people and property, illegal immigration and trafficking in stolen vehicles.

The NCB is part of the International Cooperation Department, the State Police’s main platform for working with the international police community on investigations and criminal matters. It is staffed by 54 police officers.

Law enforcement in Latvia

The Ministry of the Interior provides law enforcement services in Latvia through the State Police, the Latvian State Security Service and the State Border Guard.

The Latvian State Police is responsible for the protection of people and property, criminal investigations and keeping public order.

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