Police seek charges against lawyer and another person over suspect coercion

Latvia’s State Police have completed an investigation into sworn attorney Inese Šulte and another private individual, seeking charges against both for allegedly influencing a suspect, LSM reported, citing the LETA news agency.

The investigation found that the lawyer, while representing the suspect, allegedly tried through bribery and other forms of influence, including threats of violence, to prevent the person from testifying in criminal proceedings about the illegal activities of an organised criminal group.

On September 9, 2025, the State Police’s Organised Crime and Serial Crime Enforcement Board carried out searches and detained a sworn attorney on suspicion of a possible criminal offence. The search was conducted in the presence of a representative of the Latvian Council of Sworn Attorneys, in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Law.

As the investigation continued, police detained another person who was not connected with the legal profession. Both individuals were recognised as suspects and placed under non-custodial security measures.

On August 14, the case was sent to the Riga Court District Prosecutor’s Office to begin criminal prosecution against the two suspects.

Both have been accused of bribing or otherwise unlawfully influencing a suspect in order to make the person refuse to testify when the conduct involved threats of violence. The offence carries a possible prison sentence of up to five years, short-term imprisonment, probation supervision, community service or a fine.