Nepal tragedy: expert warns of property and liability risks for missing Latvian nationals

Following a tragic event in Nepal, where Latvian nationals are among those reported missing, attention has turned not only to the search for the missing people but also to what happens to their property and financial obligations.

On TV24's programme "Preses klubs", political scientist and co-founder of the public relations agency "Mediju tilts" Filips Rajevskis said that in such situations a delicate balance must be found between protecting a missing person's interests and the risk that someone could exploit their absence for personal gain.

An unclear legal status

Rajevskis described the situation of a person who has gone missing but whose legal status remains unresolved as highly complex. On one hand, steps must be taken to ensure the person does not lose their property and that their obligations are settled. On the other hand, there is a risk of fraud — Rajevskis noted that Latvia already has experience with various fraudulent schemes, including phone scammers, meaning the line between necessary assistance and dishonest conduct is very thin.

The role of banks and service providers

According to Rajevskis, the actions of service providers, particularly banks, are especially important in such cases. There should be a clear plan for how a missing person's obligations are managed and how their property is protected. He expressed concern that a situation must not arise where, after a person goes missing, others begin handling their property according to their own judgment.

The question of the property and obligations of missing persons has become particularly relevant following the tragic events in Nepal. On 8 September, the Ministry of Justice published an explanation stating that a person's disappearance does not in itself terminate their rights, and that in certain cases relatives may take care of protecting the missing person's property and fulfilling urgent obligations.