Man detained in Riga on suspicion of fuel thefts from petrol stations

The State Police in Riga have detained a man born in 1984 who is suspected of stealing fuel from several petrol stations. A criminal case over the thefts was opened on 23 October by the Riga East Division of the State Police Riga Regional Department.

How the investigation unfolded

According to police, the thefts were carried out using vehicle licence plates that did not match the car. During the investigation, officers learned that the offences had been committed by an Estonian citizen born in 1984.

On 25 October, officers established that this person was probably staying in Purvciems, a Riga neighbourhood. They stopped a Volvo driven by the man, who at that time was subject to a ban on driving vehicles. A search of the car, carried out in his presence, turned up one set of licence plates that had been used during the thefts. The man was detained.

Suspicion and possible penalty

On 27 October, the detained man was named a suspect in 15 criminal episodes involving petty thefts from petrol stations, as well as driving while banned. Police say the person had come to their attention before. A preventive measure not involving deprivation of liberty has been applied to him.

The case has been classified under Section 180, Part 1 of the Criminal Law (petty theft) and Section 312, Part 2 (driving a vehicle while banned from doing so). Each offence carries a penalty of up to one year of imprisonment, short-term imprisonment, probation supervision, community service or a fine.

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