On July 25, the Office for Combating Serious and Serial Crimes of Organized Crime started criminal proceedings against a company not registered in Latvia, which had illegally involved no less than 50 children to collect donations at the entrances of various shopping centers throughout Latvia.
A wide range of investigative activities was carried out in the criminal process,including three arrests. on the other hand, at the beginning of November, two persons born in 2002 and 2005 were placed under arrest by the court, and today, November 28, after reviewing the security measures, the court decided not to change them. Two suspects are men, namely one Ukrainian and one Latvian citizen, while one teenage girl born in 2007 is a Latvian citizen.
In the criminal trial, it was established that under the guise of a charity foundation, the members of the organized criminal group engaged in human trafficking for the purpose of labor exploitation, which manifested itself in the form of posting a job offer on one of the Internet sites, inviting children from the age of 14 to become advertising agents. Job seekers were told that knowlege of the Latvian language was not necessary, a flexible work schedule and daily wages were offered.
The children were given fake documents that supposedly justify their presence at the collection points. The organizers provided job seekers with false data about the true nature of the job offered, involving them in criminal activities. Both the children and the donors were told that the collection of donations in the donation box was organized for the treatment of seriously ill children in Europe. also, minors were trained on what to answer to questions asked during state or municipal police checks.
With the donation collected for the day, each volunteer returned to the rented office in Riga at the end of the working day, where the donation boxes were opened, the money was counted and distributed. 20% was paid as a reward to the donation collector – a child, and the rest of the money was distributed among the members of the organized group.
Minor children are deliberately involved in the commission of a criminal offense with the intention of pitying and psychologically influencing passers-by in order to make them more responsive. During the investigation, it was found that the donations were spent on raising the welfare of the organizers - on expensive electrical engineering, private trips, the purchase of intoxicating substances and other purposes. In total, the company illegally involved no less than 50 children and obtained funds of no less than 80,000 euros. Donations were collected at shopping centers in Riga and Daugavpils, as well as in other cities.
The criminal process is started according to the third part of the article of the Criminal Law on human trafficking, if it threatened the victim’s life or caused serious consequences, or if it was committed with particular cruelty or against a minor, or if it was committed by an organized group.
The mentioned norm stipulates that this criminal offense is punishable by deprivation of liberty for a period of five to 15 years, with or without confiscation of property, and with probation supervision for a period of up to three years or without it.
Simultaneously occurring, the police will assess whether the activities of the criminal group can be seen to involve money laundering.
In connection with the incident, an active investigation is ongoing. However, the police remind that the end of the year is fast approaching and the charity events often associated with it, including the collection of donations for various noble causes, are therefore urged to carefully select the organizations collecting donations and not to fall for fraudsters.
supplemented 3 and 7, added paragraph 11
– How can regulatory bodies effectively combat child exploitation in charitable organizations?
Time.news Interview with Dr. Anna Karpova: Child Protection Expert
Editor (Markus): Welcome,Dr. Karpova. Thank you for joining us today. There’s been a shocking advancement in Latvia involving the illegal exploitation of children for donations. Can you start by sharing your initial thoughts on this situation?
Dr. Karpova: Thank you for having me, Markus. This is indeed a troubling case and highlights a meaningful issue with child exploitation under the guise of charitable work. It’s alarming that at least 50 children were involved, and it raises serious questions about how these operations went unnoticed for so long.
Markus: Absolutely.The report mentions that criminal proceedings began after an investigation by the Office for Combating Serious and Serial Crimes of Organized Crime. what do you think prompted this investigation?
Dr. karpova: It truly seems likely that there were initial complaints or observations made by the public or local authorities. Such large-scale exploitation often draws attention due to the visible presence of children in high-footfall areas like shopping centers. Community vigilance is crucial; it’s often citizens who alert authorities to suspicious activities.
Markus: The investigation led to three arrests, including a Ukrainian citizen and a Latvian, along with a teenage girl. How common is it for minors to be involved in such criminal enterprises?
Dr. Karpova: Unfortunatly,it’s not uncommon for minors to be used in illegal operations,especially because their age and vulnerability can elicit sympathy from the public. Criminal organizations frequently enough exploit children as they can manipulate them more easily than adults. This manipulation can occur through coercion or even deceptively presenting situations as ‘helping’ the family.
Markus: You touched on manipulation—what should be the role of regulatory bodies in preventing these situations?
Dr. Karpova: Regulatory bodies must be proactive.They need stringent oversight of charitable organizations and regular audits to prevent exploitation. Education about the signs of exploitation is also vital; communities need to be informed about how to recognize and report suspicious activities involving children.
Markus: The court has decided not to change the security measures for the suspects, suggesting a serious approach to this case. What are the potential consequences for those convicted?
Dr.Karpova: Legal repercussions can vary widely, but given the nature of the crimes, those involved could face significant prison sentences. The case will also likely spotlight the need for stricter laws and enforcement against child exploitation. Beyond legal consequences, there is also the moral obligation to support the affected children and help reintegrate them safely into society.
Markus: Speaking of support, what measures can be taken to protect the children who were exploited in this case?
Dr. Karpova: It is essential that these children receive comprehensive support, including psychological counseling and legal protection. Support systems must be put in place to help them recover from their experiences and reintegrate into their communities. Rehabilitation programs should focus on both their emotional and educational needs to give them a path forward.
Markus: what can the general public do to contribute to addressing and preventing such exploitation?
Dr.Karpova: Awareness is key. People should educate themselves about the signs of child exploitation and be willing to report suspicious activities. Supporting legitimate charities and understanding how charitable donations are used is also crucial. Communities can come together to protect children by advocating for better laws and supporting local initiatives that promote child welfare.
Markus: Thank you, Dr. Karpova, for your insights on this critical issue. We hope to see positive changes following this investigation.
Dr. Karpova: Thank you, Markus. It’s essential to continue the conversation and advocate for the protection of vulnerable children.