Latvian State Police completed its investigation of the murder of insolvency administrator Mārtiņš Bunkus. On 24 November 2022 the case was submitted to Riga Court District Prosecution Office for the commencement of criminal prosecution of four people – three Latvian citizens and one Russian citizen, as confirmed by State Police.
During the investigation authorities were able to draw a clear picture of the crime and the people involved, including the roles each individual played – from the organisation all the way to the execution.
On 24 November State Police’s Criminal Police Department’s Organised, Severe and Serial Crimes Prevention Office’s Division 1 completed the investigation of one of the biggest contract killings in the history of State Police.
The entire process took a little more than four years of active police work. The case itself is composed of 121 volumes.
During the investigation State Police gained reliable evidence that allowed authorities to present criminal charges against four people – three Latvian citizens and one Russian citizen.
Three of the suspects are under arrest. The fourth one is applied with a security measure that does not involve deprivation of freedom.
According to State Police, in addition to this criminal case it was decided to commence two other criminal processes – one for large-scale money laundering in an organised group and one of crimes committed against the national economy. Investigation of both cases continues.
Police also stress that international factor played a major role in the investigation of the murder of insolvency administrator Bunkus. This includes exchange of information between several countries and use of international investigation groups. Support from Europol also contributed a lot to the investigation.