Residents have reported number plates that may have been swapped and are no longer in line with national requirements. Most of these cases have been identified in the Rīga region. Three criminal proceedings and more than 15 administrative infringement proceedings have been initiated so far.
No further comments were made by the police as investigations continue.
LETA reported that the main reason for setting up invalid numbers is the desire to avoid possible aggression by local residents who might target drivers of Russian registered vehicles.
Juris Jančevskis, chief of the Traffic Safety Administration of the State Police, said last week that since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, police have been paying attention to cars with number plates of Russia and other CIS countries.
One particular case saw police appealing to the public for help tracing a luxury limousine after its driver was videoed acting aggressively. After a brief flurry on social media, the car was successfully pulled over. Police said it had "fake state registration plates similar to Russian state registration plates" and there was also a firearm in the vehicle. A criminal investigation was launched.
Anyone spotting what may be fake license plates is invited to call police on 110.
