On November 22-21, 2018, a thematic meeting within the INTERREG V-A Latvia-Lithuania programme project “SYNERGY FOR SECURITY” was held in Moletai, Lithuania. The meeting was held by Latvian and Lithuanian ombudsmen on illegal methods for combating the movement of excise goods. The ombudsmen from both countries shared their experience and exchanged ideas on solutions for improving civil security and road safety in the eastern border regions of Latvia and Lithuania.

Bronyslovas Pokobutas, representative of the Criminal Investigation Board Chief investigator, noted that at present the most problematic situation is on the border with Belarus and less on the border with Russia. This is likely to be explained by price differences and changes in Russia.

About the experience of Latvia was informed by the chief inspector of the Criminal Investigation Department of the State Border Guard  Daugavpils Artūrs Paukšts. He presented the practical results of the action – many videos and photos of detected cases of cigarette smuggling.

Robertas Šimulevičius, the Head of Lithuanian Criminal Police Office’s Criminal Intelligence Training Center, attaches particular importance to the “follow the money” method, which is used to ensure the reparation of the harm done by the perpetrators and to prevent the further use of the proceeds of crime, as well as legalization.

This publication has been prepared with financial support from the European Union. The content of the publication is entirely the responsibility of the State Police of the Republic of Latvia, and   does not constitute an official position of the European Union.

 

INTERREG V-A Latvia-Lithuania Programme project LLI-082 „SYNERGY FOR SECURITY”

Budget: 580 236,21 EUR – 85% ERDF funding, 15% national co-financing (incl. state co-financing – 5% in LV, 7,5% in LT)

Duration: 24 MONTHS (May 17, 2017-November 16, 2019) The project is co-financed by the Latvia-Lithuania programme. Project Lead partner is latvian State police.

Website of the 2014.-2020 INTERREG V-A Latvia-Lithuania Programme: www.latlit.eu/

Official website of the European Union: www.europa.eu