Estonian man detained in Riga over fuel thefts at 15 petrol stations using wrong licence plates

The State Police in Riga have detained an Estonian citizen born in 1984 who is suspected of stealing fuel from 15 petrol stations in the Latvian capital. The man allegedly used mismatched vehicle registration plates during the thefts. According to police, the incidents took place at the beginning of the month.

How the suspect was identified

On 23 October, the Riga East Division of the State Police's Riga Region Department opened a criminal case over fuel thefts from filling stations in Riga. During the investigation, officers obtained information that the thefts had been committed by the Estonian national.

On 25 October, police established that the man was possibly staying in Purvciems, a Riga neighbourhood. Officers stopped a Volvo driven by him. He was subject to a driving ban at the time. A search of the car turned up one set of registration plates that had been used in the thefts. The man was detained.

Charges and possible penalty

On 27 October, the detainee was named a suspect in 15 episodes of petty theft from filling stations, as well as driving while banned from doing so. Police say the individual had come to their attention before. A preventive measure not involving deprivation of liberty has been applied to him.

The theft case is classified under Section 180, Part 1 of the Criminal Law, and the driving offence under Section 312, Part 2. Each offence carries a penalty of up to one year in prison, short-term imprisonment, probation supervision, community service or a fine.

The State Police remind the public that no one is considered guilty until guilt has been proven in accordance with the procedure set out by law.