Four arrested for long-term sexual abuse of animals

RIGA - The State Police have detained a group of four people suspected of systematically committing acts of cruelty against animals at an animal facility, the State Police informed LETA.

It has been established that these individuals had been engaging in sexual acts with animals over the course of several years.

The State Police, in cooperation with the Tax and Customs Police Board of the State Revenue Service, received information in late 2025 regarding alleged cases of animal cruelty, which led to the opening of criminal proceedings.

During the investigation, law enforcement authorities determined that, at least since 2021, pornographic performances had been staged on an ongoing basis at one of Latvia's animal facilities, during which several individuals engaged in sexual acts with various animals.

These acts were also filmed and photographed. However, the information available to the police does not indicate that the recorded material was sold.

The animal facility was searched as part of the probe, during which officers seized all animals linked to the criminal offenses, as well as more than EUR 4,000 in cash obtained as a result of the criminal offenses. Police confirmed that more than ten horses, a dog, and a cat were seized at the scene.

Four individuals have been detained and named as suspects in the case; two of them are Latvian citizens, one person is a dual Danish and Swiss citizen, and one is a Russian citizen.

The suspects have not been remanded in custody as a security measure, but they have been banned from handling animals and engaging in any activities involving animals.

The State Police also have information that the suspect who is a dual citizen of Denmark and Switzerland is currently imprisoned abroad for criminal offenses of a similar nature.

The criminal proceedings are under investigation by the Organized Crime and Serious Crime Investigation Department, and they have been classified under articles of the Criminal Law on the circulation of pornographic material containing sexual acts between humans and animals, as well as on cruel treatment of animals and animal torture committed by a group of persons upon prior agreement.

The pre-trial investigation continues to establish all the circumstances of the criminal offenses.

At the same time, the police did not comment on whether a forensic psychiatric and psychological examination would be ordered for the detained persons.