Dozens of teenagers used in fraudulent donation scheme in Latvia

Latvian police have uncovered a scheme involving the exploitation of minors, who were forced to collect donations under the guise of charitable activity.

Investigators said officers from the organised crime unit have completed a criminal investigation into a human trafficking case carried out by a group, Caliber.Az reports, citing Latvian media.

Under the cover of a supposed charity fund, teenagers were recruited online and tasked with collecting donations that were not used for the stated purposes.

The scheme involved two Latvian nationals and one Ukrainian citizen.

Authorities say they acted in coordination, using deception, psychological pressure, and the vulnerability of minors.

Teenagers were promised flexible schedules and daily pay, provided with “training,” and given fundraising materials.

In some cases, fake documents — including registration papers and contracts — were created to give the operation an appearance of legitimacy.

Police say at least 50 minors were involved. They received only a portion of the collected funds, while the bulk was distributed among the organisers.

The case has been forwarded to the Riga prosecutor’s office for prosecution.

The suspects face between 5 and 15 years in prison, along with possible asset confiscation.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov