Police dismantle armed gang suspected in kidnapping and murder

Latvia’s State Police has completed an investigation into an armed organised crime group suspected of kidnapping, hostage-taking, extortion and murder, LSM reported. Police also halted the operation of a drug laboratory linked to the group.

The group is suspected of carrying out several particularly serious crimes in Latvia. At least three people were victims of its activities, including one person who was killed. Investigators believe the crimes were most likely financially motivated.

Police received information last year about the kidnapping of a person born in 1974. The person was later released but had suffered injuries. In August last year, gang members allegedly kidnapped and killed a person born in 1982.

Investigators also uncovered two cases in which the group was preparing to kidnap people. Police prevented both kidnappings by detaining gang members in September last year.

The investigation, launched in May 2025 by the State Police unit responsible for combating serious and serial organised crime, also produced information about extortion involving violence, the illegal circulation of firearms and ammunition, and the circulation of pornographic material.

Police seized 21 kilograms of methamphetamine and 23 kilograms of Category I and III precursors, or highly dangerous substances that can be used to illegally produce narcotic or psychotropic substances. They also confiscated equipment, devices, materials and other items intended for the illicit manufacture of drugs.