Allegations of Sold Latvian Seized Vehicles in Ukraine Unfounded
In recent weeks, rumours have been circulating on the internet suggesting that cars confiscated from drunk drivers in Latvia are being sold on Ukrainian classifieds portals. However, a thorough investigation has revealed no concrete evidence to support these claims.
The Latvian government has an innovative scheme in place to seize cars from drivers found to be seriously under the influence of alcohol. Over 660 such vehicles have been delivered to Ukraine since the initiative was introduced two years ago, but not all of them end up in Ukraine. It's worth noting that many of the cars are unsuitable or in poor condition, and less than half make their way to Ukraine.
Reinis Pozniaks, a member of the European Parliament, and his colleagues are keeping a close eye on the fate of these cars. The 'Agendum' association, which Pozniaks founded, selects suitable cars for Ukraine and arranges for their delivery with the help of volunteers.
The cars auctioned off by the Latvian tax authority have their details available on the State Revenue Service (VID) website, and anyone can buy and drive them wherever they wish. It's important to note that the license plate A305, which has been circulating online, was once issued for a quad bike and is now invalid.
The cars sent to Ukraine bear CSDD transit numbers, which are visually distinct from regular Latvian license plates. Contrary to the images spread by scammers, the cars in question have never been seen with these red transit plates. Moreover, none of the cars have been posted online with regular Latvian license plates, as claimed by the rumours.
Pozniaks has stated categorically that no such cars have been posted online, and none have been driven with regular Latvian license plates. He does not recognise cars with Latvian registration plates being posted on Ukrainian classifieds portals.
To date, there is no evidence that any cars transferred to Ukraine have been used unfairly, such as being sold for private profit. However, it seems unlikely that a lack of evidence will be enough to convince those spreading rumours to check their facts before doing so.
In conclusion, based on the current available information, there is no evidence to confirm that Latvian cars confiscated for drunk driving are sold on Ukrainian classifieds portals. It's crucial to verify information before spreading it online to avoid spreading misinformation.
- Reinis Pozniaks, a member of the European Parliament, is monitoring the fate of cars confiscated from drunk drivers in Latvia, particularly those sent to Ukraine, as part of their work with the 'Agendum' association.
- Cars auctioned off by the Latvian tax authority, including some seized from drunk drivers, can be bought by anyone through the State Revenue Service (VID) website, but not all of them end up in Ukraine due to their unsuitable or poor condition.
- Contrary to rumours circulating online, there is no evidence to support claims that cars confiscated for drunk driving in Latvia are being posted on Ukrainian classifieds portals with regular Latvian license plates or CSDD transit numbers, visually distinct from regular Latvian license plates.
