On March 20th and 21st, 2025, an inter-institutional expert meeting "Challenges in Cooperation in Combating Excise Crimes and Development of Best Practices" took place in Latgale, organized by the Tax and Customs Police Department of the State Revenue Service (SRS) with the financial support of the Internal Security Fund project "Combating Excise Crimes in the Baltic Region."
The aim of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation between the SRS Tax and Customs Police Department, the SRS Customs Administration, and the Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Latvia, as well as to promote the exchange of experience in the investigation of excise crimes.
The first day of the event was attended by 54 participants, including representatives from the SRS Tax and Customs Police Department and the Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Latvia. On the second day of the event, representatives from the SRS Customs Administration also joined the participants.
The agenda of the meeting included several important topics, including challenges in cooperation, examples of best practices, and the efficient use of resources in investigation processes. Prosecutors from the Southern Latgale and Eastern Latgale Prosecutor's Offices introduced the participants to best practices and challenges in the work of the prosecutor's office. Issues regarding the accounting of material evidence and the effectiveness of cooperation with the prosecutor's office were also discussed.
On the second day of the meeting, participants visited the "Indra" and "Pāternieki" customs control points, where comprehensive information was provided on the specifics of customs control work in monitoring excise goods and sanctioned goods, as well as the customs control of trains and vehicles.
During the event, participants had the opportunity to share experiences and strengthen mutual cooperation between the involved institutions.
The SRS Tax and Customs Police Department expresses its gratitude to all participants and lecturers for their participation and active involvement in discussions, as well as to the SRS Customs Administration for their support. Such meetings are essential to strengthen cooperation and ensure an effective fight against excise crimes in the Baltic region.
The project is implemented within the framework of the Internal Security Fund's 2021-2027 planning period, the leading institution of which in Latvia is the Ministry of Interior."
