Court Rejects Lawyer Vilemsons' Request for Closed Sessions in VAT Case

The Riga City Court on Monday rejected a motion by lawyer Didzis Vilemsons to conduct all further court hearings in his criminal case behind closed doors. The court ruled that the request lacked sufficient justification and therefore declined it at this stage of proceedings.

The defendant does not admit guilt in the alleged offense. The next court hearing is set for October 26 at 11 a.m., and a representative from the State Revenue Service (VID) will be summoned.

According to the indictment, Vilemsons failed to pay value-added tax (VAT) of €46,783 from his officially declared income as a lawyer by October 23, 2024. There was initially a dispute with VID over whether he was required to pay VAT at all. After he started making payments, it did not prevent criminal charges.

Prosecutor Ņikita Sinkevičs told the newspaper that part of the sum has already been paid, and VID now maintains a claim for only €25,000. However, even if Vilemsons pays the full amount requested, the trial will proceed regardless. The Latvian Council of Sworn Attorneys has already suspended Vilemsons' license to practice law.

Vilemsons is charged under Article 218, Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Law for large-scale tax evasion. The penalty includes up to four years' imprisonment, temporary detention, community service, a fine, confiscation of property, and restrictions on professional activities. Previously, Vilemsons worked as a prosecutor and a police officer, serving as head of the Ventspils police station.