Latvian anti-corruption officials have taken significant measures against a former high-ranking official from Tajikistan, confiscating approximately 92,143 euros in illegally obtained funds along with real estate purchased in Riga. The investigation conducted by the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) revealed that the official had engaged in a complex financial scheme involving shell companies registered in jurisdictions such as the Dominican Republic, the British Virgin Islands, Belize, and the United Kingdom, which were used to obscure the origin of the illicit funds.

The funds, which were illegally obtained as a result of criminal activities outside of Latvia, were funneled through accounts at ABLV Bank in Latvia. Authorities found that part of these funds were used to purchase real estate valued at 165,000 euros in the Klīsalā area of Riga. The properties were subsequently rented out, allowing the former official to profit from the illicitly acquired assets over several years. The case highlights the challenges associated with money laundering and the international dimensions it can encompass, involving multiple countries and financial systems.

On September 21, 2022, KNAB initiated a process to address the confiscated assets, and on that same day, the criminal case was forwarded to the Economic Court in Latvia. The involvement of the Economic Court suggests that significant legal processes will follow as Latvia seeks to address the issues of money laundering and asset recovery from foreign nationals involved in illicit activities. This case represents a broader effort by Latvian authorities to clamp down on financial crime and enforce transparency in their banking sector, especially operations involving foreign clients.