Police refer case against lawyer accused of intimidating witness in mafia case to prosecutors

The State Police's Organized Crime and Serial Offenses Unit has concluded an investigation into a criminal case in which a sworn advocate, together with another person, is suspected of intimidating and attempting to bribe her own client. The case has been forwarded to the Riga Judicial District Prosecutor's Office to begin criminal prosecution.

According to the investigation, the advocate, who was legally obligated to defend her client, allegedly used bribery and pressure, including threats of violence, to try to stop the client from testifying about the illegal activities of an organized crime group. The client himself had reportedly been willing to cooperate with investigators.

On September 9, 2025, police carried out a search and detained the advocate, with a representative of the Latvian Council of Sworn Advocates present. Later in the investigation, a second person unconnected to the legal profession was also detained. Both individuals currently hold suspect status and have been placed under security measures not involving detention.

Council's criticism not confirmed

After the advocate's detention, the Council of Sworn Advocates held a press conference criticizing law enforcement agencies over alleged arbitrary actions. Police say these accusations were not substantiated — both the State Police's Internal Control Bureau and the Internal Security Bureau conducted separate reviews and found no violations by police officers.

On August 14, the criminal proceedings against both individuals were forwarded for the start of criminal prosecution. They are accused under Section 301, Part Two of the Criminal Law — bribing or otherwise unlawfully influencing a suspect to withdraw testimony, combined with threats of violence. The offense carries a penalty of up to five years' imprisonment, short-term imprisonment, probationary supervision, community service, or a fine. Police note that no person is considered guilty until proven so through the procedure established by law.