The 4th Division of the Organized Crime Serious and Serial Crimes Combating Department of the Chief Criminal Police Directorate of the VP had received information about a "gentlemen's club" or strip club in Old Riga, where prostitution services are provided.
The investigation revealed that the work of the prostitutes was organized by a group of pimps consisting of four persons, including the owners of the business.
On September 24 this year, the police arrested men born in 1978 and 1973 and women born in 1977 and 1984 on suspicion of pimping.
Information obtained by the police showed that the persons were seeking customers among foreign tourists, including by distributing flyers on the street, thus encouraging them to come to the club. The club had strict "face control".
In connection with the incident, criminal proceedings have been initiated for the exploitation of a person for the purpose of enrichment through prostitution, if committed by an organized group, and for money laundering, if committed on a large scale or by an organized group.
For pimping, if committed by an organized group, the law provides for imprisonment for a term of five to 15 years, with or without confiscation of property, and probation supervision for a term of up to three years. Money laundering on a large scale or by an organized group is punishable by imprisonment for a term of three to 12 years, with or without confiscation of property, and probation supervision for a term of up to three years.
Four suspects are remanded in custody and one is subject to a non-custodial measure.
