Latvian MPs propose vehicle confiscation for smuggling migrants across the border
Lawmakers from New Unity have proposed Criminal Law amendments allowing vehicle confiscation for illegally transporting people across Latvia's border. The proposals have been submitted to the Saeima's Legal Affairs Committee ahead of the bill's second reading.
Members of the New Unity party in the Saeima — Andrejs Judins, Agnese Krasta and Inese Kalniņa — have submitted proposed amendments to the Criminal Law aimed at toughening penalties for illegally moving people across Latvia's state border.
What the proposals include
Under current law, a vehicle belonging to a guilty party can only be confiscated in cases involving crimes against traffic safety. The lawmakers want this option extended to cases where a vehicle was used to illegally transport a person across the border or to help someone stay in Latvia unlawfully.
The proposals would also set the penalty for illegally moving a person across the state border at up to three years' imprisonment, with the possibility of asset confiscation either applied or not. Currently, the offense carries a penalty of up to three years' imprisonment, probationary supervision, or a fine.
Next steps
The proposals have been submitted to the Saeima's Legal Affairs Committee and will be reviewed as part of the relevant bill's second reading.
