Farm theft case drags on for six years, prompting calls to change law

A theft case involving farmers has dragged on for six years, with the accused repeatedly failing to attend court hearings, LSM reported. The victims have received 17 court summonses, while the value of the stolen equipment exceeded 100,000 euros.

The thefts took place at several farms in 2020. The chairman of the Council for the Judiciary said the case had exposed serious problems in the law.

Among the victims is farmer Jānis Vinters, whose tractor equipment was stripped of GPS systems, antennas and monitors in spring 2020. He said the systems were essential for more precise and efficient farming.

“They were simply pulled out, the wires were cut, and monitors were also stolen from other equipment,” Vinters said. He added that the farmers had been unable to recover all their losses from insurers.

Total losses suffered by the Vinters family, several neighbouring farmers, businesses and insurers exceeded 100,000 euros.

Signija Vintere is one of the key witnesses. Before the theft, she filmed a suspicious vehicle that had entered the farm’s property, helping investigators identify the people suspected of involvement.

However, the suspects have still not been held accountable. The victims sometimes encounter one of the accused in daily life, including at petrol stations.

“It is uncomfortable. You have recognised him, and he knows where we live,” the witness said.

The court proceedings began in 2023. Hearings have been postponed repeatedly, including seven times because one of the accused failed to appear. Courts have also ordered the accused to be brought to court by force, but without success.

The Supreme Court chairman has acknowledged that the case points to a problem in the law.