Crime in Latvia

[10] The market transition from a planned economy to a free market-economy caused great social uncertainty in Latvia, and the crime rates rose.

[11] The Latvian government defines crime as "an action endangering society and entailing criminal punishment whether committed intentionally or through negligence".

[13] The main types of crime common in Latvia include human trafficking, motor vehicle theft, and corruption.

[20] The most common illicit drug used by Latvians is cannabis,[21][22] used by young adults aged 15–34, and specifically by males.

[14] Illegal immigration, human trafficking, and corruption are problems that organized crime groups in Latvia take advantage of frequently.

The main origin countries of illegal immigrants are Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova, and from as far as Iraq, Iran, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Afghanistan.

Latvia is also signatory to the terms of the Treaty of Lisbon, which ensures that all EU member states allow free right of immigration, asylum, and are expected to work together to combat crime.

[34] In September 2014, Latvian police participated in "Operation Archimedes", an effort organized by Europol to hunt down a cargo train sending stolen cars to Tajikistan.