Latvian State Police investigate 160,000 euro psychic fraud

The Latvian State Police have launched criminal proceedings following two reports of large-scale fraud involving individuals posing as psychics on Facebook. Two women were defrauded of a combined total of nearly 160,000 euros after responding to advertisements for spiritual and psychological services.

In one instance, a victim transferred 118,000 euros for services including psychological help and a curse-removal ritual. In the second case, a victim lost 39,000 euros for rituals intended to improve her private life. One victim also followed instructions to deposit cash into a parcel machine and hand money to a courier.

Both victims reported that after the promised magical results failed to materialize, the suspects ceased all communication. The police are investigating the cases under Section 177, part three of the Criminal Law, which pertains to large-scale fraud. Conviction for this offense can result in imprisonment for two to ten years.