On 19 November 2025, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) asked the Prosecution Office to initiate criminal prosecution against two Latvian citizens for the so-called vote-buying during this year’s municipal elections in Balvi municipality.
The criminal case against the persons on grounds of suspicion of unlawful influencing of voters’ choice was initiated on the day of the elections, 7 June, by the State Police. Shortly after that, however, VDD overtook the investigation in this case in accordance with its jurisdiction.
During the investigation, VDD established that two persons were involved in vote buying in Balvi municipality. The suspects bribed several residents of Balvi municipality to vote for a specific list and candidate. One of the suspects also used his personal vehicle to transport several bribed voters to the polling station.
VDD incriminates the persons for crimes stipulated in Section 90 Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Law, i.e., deliberate hindrance of exercising the right to vote.
VDD reiterates that no person shall be considered guilty until the guilt of such person has been determined in accordance with the procedures laid down in law.
Information prepared by VDD
Illustrative photo, VDD
