Latvian police conclude investigations into fraud and fatal shooting

Latvian State Police have concluded two separate criminal investigations.

In Preiļi, a Moldovan citizen born in 1992 has been detained on suspicion of fraud, attempted fraud, and money laundering. The investigation revealed that a local resident was targeted by scammers posing as bank and telecommunications employees. After being coerced into transferring 9,000 euros, the victim handed 6,000 euros in cash to a “money mule” who provided a four-digit code. The case materials have been transferred to the prosecutor's office.

In the Ventspils region, a property owner faces potential imprisonment following a fatal shooting during a suspected theft in June 2024. A hunter fired a shotgun at an intruder who was allegedly attempting to steal a vehicle. The intruder, who was shot in the back while turning away, later died from his injuries in a medical facility. The owner, who claimed the shot was fired in self-defense, has been detained and had all weapons seized as the investigation into causing grievous bodily harm through negligence concludes.