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From experience to action: Latvia and the Netherlands exchange best practices in sanctions investigations
Latvian court imposes penalty for sanction violations in the tourism sector
19.11.2025
The Latgale regional court has found a travel consultant guilty of organizing tourist trips to Crimea in violation of European Union sanctions. The court sentenced the individual to 100 hours of community service, while the company represented by her was fined €10,500.
The first-instance court had previously acquitted the person, but the regional court overturned that decision. A cassation proceeding has now been initiated, and the date of its hearing has not yet been set.
The criminal proceedings were launched in connection with the European Council regulation prohibiting the provision of services directly related to tourism activities in Crimea and Sevastopol. This regulation establishes that such commercial activities constitute a breach of sanctions.
It should be noted that violations of international or national sanctions may result in both criminal and administrative liability – including imprisonment, community service, or a monetary fine.
The Financial Intelligence Unit underlines that no person is considered guilty until their guilt has been established in accordance with the law.
Since April 2024, the Financial Intelligence Unit has been the national competent authority in Latvia for the implementation of sanctions.
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