Police seek charges against four people over Kārsava extortion

Latvia’s State Police has recommended charging four people with extortion and other serious crimes in Kārsava, in Ludza municipality, LSM reported. The suspects allegedly forced three men into a car against their will, injured them and tried to extort money from them.

Police said the incidents took place in late 2025 and early 2026. Two unidentified men forced men born in 2004, 1997 and 2003 into a car before later causing them injuries. The victims suffered both gunshot and blunt-force wounds.

In January, police detained two men born in 1989 and 1992 in connection with the crimes. A court ordered that they be held in custody. Both had previously come to the attention of law enforcement.

Investigators later established that two additional people were linked to the offenses. During searches of the homes of the men born in 1989 and 1992, police found ammunition of various calibers and seized a firearm.

The investigation also uncovered other crimes linked to the illegal circulation of drugs, alcohol and firearms.

Police have completed an investigation into nine criminal offenses and sent the case to the prosecutor’s office to initiate criminal prosecution. The offenses include unlawful deprivation of liberty, extortion, threats to kill or cause serious bodily harm, intentional infliction of moderate bodily harm, illegal sale of firearms and ammunition, and coercion to give false testimony or explanations.