FIU Latvia implements the campaign “Footprints of Crime Cannot be Washed Away”

The aim of the event is to raise public awareness of the financial crimes and inform of its consequences, to warn and explain the importance of being able to recognise financial crimes, recognize and prevent a potential financial crime, and not get involved in it.

In 2022, FIU Latvia conducted a public opinion survey which showed concerning data: a significant part or 32% of the Latvian residents is prepared to commit financial crimes in their own interests or to use the benefits derived from them.. Generally, the study showed a positive trend in that the public tolerance towards financial crimes has decreased. 75% of respondents (+6% in comparison with the study results in 2021) understood that companies which do not pay taxes or pay ‘envelope salaries’ leave a negative impact on welfare of the society. The same way, more than two thirds of the surveyed Latvian residents see the need to fight against money laundering to prevent fictitious business, laundering of criminal money obtained abroad in financial institutions of Latvia, deposits of illegal money in accounts and ATMs.

The study results prove the need to continue educational work on danger of the financial crimes and the negative impact on national economy, as well as consequences which can leave an impact on the society in general.

A special website www.vieglanauda.lv (in Latvian) provides basic information on the most popular financial crimes, statistical data showing the impact of financial crimes on economy, as well as a video on the work of financial intelligence from the viewpoint of FIU Latvia experts  when resolving three criminal offences on the theme of corruption, human trafficking, and fraud. Videos are available also on Latvia  Youtube account.