Caution issued by Latvian Foreign Ministry: Stay vigilant against being lured into human trafficking operations.
In recent years, there has been a concerning trend of an increase in Latvian migrant smuggling cases across European Union (EU) countries, particularly in 2024-2025. This rise is attributed to regional instability and economic pressures, leading to complex transit routes through the Baltics, including Latvia.
The Latvian Embassy in Poland reported 11 more detentions of illegal migrant smugglers in 2024. This trend aligns with regional migration dynamics, where Baltic states function both as transit and origin points for irregular migration.
The main reasons behind this rise include regional conflicts and displacement pressures, notably stemming from the ongoing war in Ukraine and its broader impact on Eastern Europe. Economic factors such as limited local opportunities and inflation affecting income stability in Latvia also play a significant role in motivating some individuals to engage in smuggling activities.
Enhanced EU border controls and asylum policies have led to more clandestine activities, as official routes for migration and asylum close or become more restrictive, pushing migrants to rely on smugglers.
The consequences for Latvian nationals involved are significant. They face legal repercussions, including arrests, prosecution, and potential imprisonment within EU member states enforcing anti-smuggling laws strictly. Reputational damage for Latvian citizens abroad can affect community relations and Latvia’s diplomatic standing within the EU. Personal safety risks are also a concern, as smuggling networks often expose individuals to violence, exploitation, or trafficking risks.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against agreeing to job offers from unverified employers, as they may be involved in criminal activities. Several dozen Latvian nationals have reportedly agreed to such job offers, which are not legitimate and involve illegal activities. The penalties for smuggling immigrants are severe, often resulting in years in prison.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs encourages Latvian nationals to carefully evaluate any job offer abroad and to seek assistance from the Consular Department if they find themselves in an emergency situation. Information for persons in emergency situations abroad can be found at www.cilvektirdznieciba.lv or by contacting the Consular Department by email: [email protected] or by phone: 371 26337711.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not specify the nature of the criminal offense involved in the job offers, but it warns Latvian nationals to be cautious of offers that promise easy profits. In 2022, 42 illegal migrant smugglers were detained in Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, and Poland. This number increased to 55 in 2023, and in 2024, the Latvian Embassy in Hungary received information about six cases of detained illegal migrant smugglers.
A video clip on the matter has been published, which can be watched above. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Latvian nationals to prioritise their safety and the rule of law when considering job offers abroad.
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