Four skinhead group members detained in Riga, three of them minors

On 29 October, the Latvian State Police, working with the State Security Service, carried out several searches in Riga and detained four members of a skinhead group. They are suspected of malicious arson and of using violence against people with no fixed place of residence. Three of those detained are minors and one is an adult. The case is notable because investigators found that children are involved in the group, including some who had not reached the age of 14 when the offences were committed.

How the investigation began

The State Police opened a criminal case on 26 January this year over possible serious and especially serious crimes. The home searches concerned the intentional damaging of property by a group in a manner dangerous to the public, namely by arson, as well as violence against homeless people.

During the searches, police found skinhead paraphernalia: clothing, boots, badges, images, masks, brass knuckles, knives, weapon-like objects and items that were most likely used in the crimes under investigation. The detainees consider themselves skinheads and visually identify with the subculture.

Procedural status

Three minors have been recognised as suspects and are subject to a preventive measure that does not involve deprivation of liberty. For two individuals who were under 14 at the time of the offences, authorities will later decide whether to refer the materials for educational coercive measures. Criminal liability applies from the age of 14.

Charges under which the case is classified

The case is classified under several articles of the Criminal Law:

• Section 150, part 3 – incitement of social hatred and enmity involving bodily harm caused by a group; punishable by up to four years' imprisonment, short-term imprisonment or probation supervision;
• Section 185, part 2 – intentional destruction or damage of another's property by arson; punishable by up to ten years' imprisonment and up to three years of probation supervision, or without probation;
• Section 166, part 2 – illegal circulation or transmission of pornographic material involving minors; punishable by penalties including imprisonment of up to three years.

The investigation is continuing, so no further information is being released for now.

Police appeal to parents

The State Police urge parents to watch for changes in their children's behaviour and daily life, such as interests, clothing, circle of friends, objects suddenly appearing in their rooms, badges, and the content they consume on smart devices. Police stress that it is important to notice changes early and act preventively.

The police also remind the public that no one is considered guilty until guilt is proven in accordance with the procedure established by law.