"The year 2022 is characterized by complex geopolitical conditions and the aggression carried out by Russia in Ukraine undoubtedly reverberates in Latvia as well, creating a series of challenges in the field of internal security – this is also reflected in the criminal proceedings in the records of the Internal Security Bureau (IDB) and the activities that have come into view. Within the framework of the past year, the IDB initiated a total of 50 criminal proceedings for 59 criminal offenses, received 25 criminal proceedings from other investigative institutions and the prosecutor's office, and conducted pre-trial investigations in a total of 131 criminal proceedings," the IDB said.
The IDB handed over 43 criminal proceedings for 74 criminal offenses against 70 persons, including 57 officials - 24 officials of the State Police, 10 officials of the State Fire and Rescue Service, 9 officials of the State Border Guard, 8 officials of the State Security Agency, 4 officials of the Information Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, plus 2 municipal police officials, as well as 13 other individuals.
A fifth of the total number of criminal proceedings was related to road traffic – compared to 2021, the number of such offenses has almost tripled. A large proportion of violations were related to bribery, disclosure of confidential information and criminal offenses against property.
A total of 19 vehicles were seized, plus 7 pieces of real estate and funds worth more than 650 thousand euros. The total amount of seized property was estimated at more than 800 thousand euros.
During the reporting period, the courts sentenced 22 persons – 19 officials and 3 private persons.
The IDB also published a 3-page graphic summary of its 2022 activites which is attached to this story.
