Gangsters persuaded immigrants to set up in Scotland then fleeced them
FOUR gangsters were found guilty yesterday of serious organised crime, which included people trafficking, fraud and money laundering.
The Latvian nationals encouraged people from their home country to come to the UK, offering to cover their travel costs and provide them with accommodation and employment.
But once their victims arrived, they were told they were “in debt” to the gang.
The victims were forced to open bank accounts and hand over their bank cards, before being sent to work in various locations throughout the UK.
The gang retained control over their earnings and anyone who refused to co-operate BY GORDON SMITH reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk was met with threats of violence and assaults.
The offences took place in Scotland, England and Latvia between June 20, 2012, and December 2, 2016.
Hardijs Langsteins, 37, Maris Kursis, 30, Arvids Civkors, 30, and Aivars Dzagarjans, 38, all pled not guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in August.
But after a 14-week trial, the four men were convicted yesterday.
Sheriff Thomas Welsh QC remanded them in custody.
They will be sentenced on December 4.
A Police Scotland investigation into the gang was launched in April 2016 when officers were tipped off that they were bringing Latvian nationals into the UK and housing them in crowded accommodation at several addresses in West Lothian.
The men were charged on December 2, 2016.
Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Healy said yesterday: “All four of these men subjected their victims to threats, intimidation and coercion, leaving them in fear for their safety.”
He said the gang used their victims’ bank accounts to commit fraud and launder the proceeds of crime.
He added: “This group actively targeted vulnerable Latvian nationals looking to come to the UK for a better life and placed them in crowded and squalid conditions, exploiting them for profit.”