Latvian police complete investigation into case of girls solicited for sexual acts in Riga

The State Police of Latvia have completed their investigation in a criminal case against a Uzbek citizen, born in 1998, who is suspected of inducing minors to take part in sexual acts. The incident took place on 18 September 2026 at a shopping centre in Riga. Police have asked the prosecutor's office to bring criminal charges against the man, which moves the case towards court.

What happened

According to the police, on 18 September they received a report that a foreigner at a shopping centre had approached underage girls and offered them money to engage in sexual activity. The girls turned to shop employees for help. The staff alerted the police and prevented the man from leaving until officers arrived.

Procedural decisions

The next day, 19 September, the detained man was recognised as a suspect in the inducement of two minors to sexual acts. An investigating judge of the Riga City Court ordered his pre-trial detention. Two girls, aged 11 and 13, were recognised as victims in the case.

The suspect had been staying in Latvia on a category D visa, which has since been annulled.

Charge and possible penalty

After assessing the evidence gathered, police proposed prosecuting the man for a serious crime under Section 162.1, Part 2 of the Criminal Law, namely inducing two minors to engage in sexual acts. If found guilty, he could face imprisonment for up to five years, short-term imprisonment or probation supervision.

The State Police reiterate that no one is considered guilty until guilt has been proven in the manner prescribed by law.