Latvian State Revenue Service (VID) Tax and Customs Police have shut down a group involved in VAT fraud and large-scale money laundering.
According to VID specialists, this groups was engaged in a fraud scheme implemented in metalworking and catering sectors.
The investigation revealed that between January 2020 and December 2021 «clients» (companies) of this scheme stated in their financial accounts and VAT declarations deals with fictive companies that never happened.
As part of the criminal procedure, VID Tax and Customs Police performed necessary actions in Riga, Daugavpils, Jelgava and Ķekava,
including 33 searches at homes, offices, legal addresses and cars owned by persons involved in the criminal procedure.
During searches police found and confiscated evidence – cash, mobile phones, computers, stamps, data storage devices, passports, ID cards and accounting documents, as well a narcotic and psychotropic substances.
Police have commenced a criminal procedure over organised crime group. Three persons have been detained.
The extent of the damage caused to the state will be determined in the investigation, as BNN was told by VID.
In the interest of the investigation no more information is provided at this time.