Latvia's financial intelligence service clarifies rights over sanctioned "Mere" retail chain

Latvia's Financial Intelligence Service (FID) has issued clarifications for manufacturers, suppliers and employees connected to the EU-sanctioned retail chain "Mere."

No separate permit needed for suppliers

In a statement to media, FID explained that manufacturers and suppliers seeking to recover their goods from the sanctioned chain do not need to obtain an individual permit from the service. Nor do they need to submit a separate application to the agency to resolve the matter — the process can proceed without FID's direct involvement in each individual case.

Employees owed unpaid wages

Regarding the chain's employees, FID stressed that they retain the right to receive wages that have not yet been paid out. The imposition of sanctions on the retail chain does not eliminate the employer's obligation to settle payments for work already performed.

The clarification from FID comes in response to uncertainty that arose after the "Mere" retail chain was placed under EU sanctions, a move that has affected both the company's business partners and its staff.