The Internal Security Bureau (IDB) has requested the Western Zemgale Office of the Prosecutor to commence criminal prosecution of an official of the State Border Guard for enticing a child to engage in sexual activities, IDB reports.
IDB has evidence the border official in question commenced online communication with a person who has not attained the age of sixteen years outside work hours.
The correspondence reveals the official enticing the child to engage in sexual activities and invited said child to create and send content of pornographic nature.
IDB does not reveal more detailed information about the case at the time.
According to Section 162 of the Criminal Law, for a person who commits leading to depravity of a person who has not attained the age of sixteen years or who is in the state of helplessness, that is, for a person who commits acts of sexual nature without physical contact with the body of the victim for the purpose of sexual gratification or to rouse sexual instinct in the victim, if such act has been committed by a person who has attained the age of majority or it has been committed taking advantage of the state of helplessness of the victim or against the will of the victim by means of violence, threats or using trust, authority or exerting other influence over the victim, the applicable punishment is the deprivation of liberty for a period of up to five years or temporary deprivation of liberty, or community service, or a fine, with probationary supervision for a period of up to five years.
Latvian authorities stress that no person is considered guilty until his or her guilt has been proven in accordance with the law.
State Police urge residents to discuss with their children topics regarding safety and potential crimes on the internet, as well as explain to them that they should not trust strangers on the internet, send them personal information, photos or videos.
Latvian State Border Guard official to be prosecuted for attempted seduction of a child
