On 1 October 2025, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) asked the Prosecution Office to initiate criminal prosecution against a Latvian citizen for the so-called vote-buying during this year’s municipal elections in one of Jelgava municipality parishes.
The criminal case against the person 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 took on the investigation of this case in accordance with its jurisdiction.
During the investigation, VDD established that the suspected male had bribed several individuals in one of Jelgava municipality parishes to vote for a specific list and candidate. The suspect also used his personal vehicle to transport these voters to the polling station.
VDD incriminates the person for crimes stipulated in Section 90 Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Law, i.e., deliberate hindrance of exercising the right to vote.
Several security measures have been applied to the suspect – a ban on leaving the country and requirement to notify the change of the place of residence.
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
