Police detain man accused of soliciting girls at Riga shopping centre

Latvia’s State Police detained a man on September 18 on suspicion of offering underage girls money to take part in sexual activities at a Riga shopping centre, LSM reported. The suspect, born in 1998, has been placed in custody.

Police received information that a foreign national had approached underage girls at the shopping centre and made the offer. The girls sought help from shop employees, who reported the incident to police and prevented the man from leaving.

Police officers arrived at the scene and detained the man. He had not previously come to the attention of law enforcement.

A criminal investigation has been launched under Section 162.1, Part Two of Latvia’s Criminal Law, concerning the inducement of an underage person to engage in sexual activities. The offence carries a prison sentence of up to five years, short-term imprisonment or probation supervision.

Police said they would not provide further comment while the investigation continues. They also stressed that the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the law.