Prosecutors charge neurologist Viškers with sexual abuse of patients using hypnosis

Latvian prosecutors have filed charges against neurologist Leonīds Viškers over sexual acts against female patients, the prosecutor's office confirmed to the news agency LETA. The case remains with the prosecutor's office and has not yet been passed to a court.

The allegations

The State Police said in late August that several women had come forward about a doctor's possible criminal conduct. Their accounts shared similar details: they had visited the doctor for consultations, and in his private practice he allegedly used hypnosis techniques to carry out sexual acts against their will in order to satisfy his sexual urges. The acts involved physical contact, and exploited the patients' trust and helplessness.

According to police, the offences took place between 2020 and 2024. Nine women in total approached police and were recognised as victims.

The investigation

A criminal case was opened on 22 January 2025 by the Riga Eastern Precinct, and all complaints were merged into one investigation. Police say that in the large, multi-volume case, including expert examinations, they gathered enough evidence even though several years had passed since the first episodes. In September the man was named a suspect and was barred from approaching certain people and from holding a particular post. Police passed the case to the Riga East Prosecutor's Office, recommending that criminal prosecution begin.

Police thanked the Health Inspectorate for its support, and the investigative journalism centre Re:Baltica and Latvian Television journalists for sharing important information.

Earlier developments

As previously reported, police initially decided not to open a criminal case, but one of the patients appealed to prosecutors, who overturned that decision. In October 2025, the Certification Council of the Latvian Medical Association suspended Viškers' certificate in neurology.

Under the Criminal Law, this offence carries a prison sentence of up to ten years.