Eleven suspected of banditry and kidnapping in Latvia

Eleven people are suspected of banditry and kidnapping, and five are in custody, the State Police said, according to LSM. The investigation has been completed, and the case was sent to a prosecutor on October 8.

The group is linked to the abduction of a man, threats, the deliberate burning of a vehicle and other crimes, police said. On March 25, four members went to the man’s home in central Riga, abducted him and put him in a car. Two drove him away while two others took his vehicle.

Police arrested the four and freed the man. Three more suspected accomplices were detained later. Several members of the group were already serving prison sentences for earlier crimes.

Investigators also gathered evidence of threats, deliberate vehicle arson and the unlawful acquisition and possession of drugs, including in large quantities. The case also involves the unlawful possession of communication devices or related equipment in prison.

Police said the group was armed and had firearms and ammunition. One member was found with forged identity documents. Five suspects have been placed in pre-trial detention.