Interview with the Financial Intelligence Unit of Latvia

What are the primary responsibilities of the Financial Intelligence Unit of Latvia?

The Financial Intelligence Unit of Latvia (FIU Latvia) is responsible to prevent money laundering in Latvia, eliminating the possibility of using the Latvian financial system to launder money or finance terrorism.

The main task of the FIU Latvia is to collect and analyse financial data, reports of suspicious transactions, in order to hand this information over to Latvian law enforcement authorities to investigate cases of money laundering and terrorism and proliferation financing.

We promote the effective and efficient use of financial intelligence, lead innovative and proactive interinstitutional and private sector cooperation to prevent and combat financial crime. This means that we need to be able to analyse lot of data, using lot of different data sources.

Since 1^st April last year, FIU Latvia has become a competent institution in matters of implementation of international and national sanctions in Latvia, among other things we need to decide on the application of sanction exemptions, publish information on subjects of sanctions, who have frozen assets in Latvia and make binding decisions on implementation of sanctions, if it is established that the person has not fulfilled the imposed sanctions.

The Financial Intelligence Unit of Latvia are a partner in the NOTIONES project. What is your role within this network of police and intelligence agencies across Europe?

FIU Latvia participates in the NOTIONES project as a practitioner partner, bringing specialised knowledge and operational insight in the field of financial intelligence. As an intelligence unit, we contribute expertise in data analysis, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and other intelligence-gathering activities.

Our role within the network includes actively engaging with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies, as well as academic institutions. This collaboration allows us to share our practical experience and operational needs, while also gaining new perspectives and innovative ideas to support the development of intelligence-based tools and technologies.

Additionally, we contribute by sharing our experience in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, helping to strengthen collective capabilities and support more effective, intelligence-led responses to evolving security threats.  

What activities of the NOTIONES project are you currently progressing?

FIU Latvia is currently involved in two working groups focused on the application of artificial intelligence. One group explores how AI technologies could be misused by terrorists, while the other focuses on analysing the potential applications of large language models (LLMs) for law enforcement purposes. Participation in these groups provides valuable insights into the topic, helping us to better assess our specific needs and perspectives regarding AI implementation.

Personally, I greatly appreciate the NOTIONES workshops and conferences. These events consistently feature highly qualified experts in the field, offering a wealth of ideas and practical knowledge. I find these opportunities especially beneficial for deepening my understanding and discussing innovative approaches with colleagues.

How will the engagement of the Financial Intelligence Unit of Latvia in the NOTIONES project support policing and security in Latvia?

The participation of the FIU of Latvia in the NOTIONES project significantly enhances our capabilities in addressing a wide range of security and policing challenges. Through this collaboration, FIU Latvia is able to deepen its knowledge and strengthen competencies in key areas related to intelligence and threat response.

As a leading intelligence body in the region, it is essential for us to stay at the forefront of innovation and international cooperation. The NOTIONES project provides a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge with peer agencies, share best practices, and explore new approaches to emerging threats.

Additionally, the project connects us with a network of highly qualified experts, which not only enriches our institutional knowledge but also fosters new opportunities for collaborative projects. One tangible example is our current dialogue with partners on improving privacy in data exchange — an initiative that was directly inspired by discussions within the NOTIONES working groups. Overall, our engagement in the NOTIONES project strengthens both our national and international intelligence cooperation.

What are the benefits to the Financial Intelligence Unit of Latvia of participating in European security research and innovation projects?

First, it facilitates close cooperation with experienced experts and other law enforcement agencies across Europe. This collaboration enables the exchange of knowledge, discussion of practical solutions to shared challenges, and the opportunity to learn from the experiences and best practices of partner institutions.

Second, these projects offer valuable opportunities to develop new tools or acquire innovative technologies that can be applied in our day-to-day operations. Often, such projects provide a “sandbox” environment where cutting-edge solutions can be tested in a controlled setting — something that is not always feasible in routine operational work. This helps us better evaluate which innovations are worth further development and integration into our workflows.

Overall, participation in these projects enhances our strategic and operational capacity, supporting the mission of FIU Latvia to stay agile and effective in combating financial and security threats.

Are you engaging in other European research and innovation projects? 

While we are not primarily focused on participating in external projects, we do engage when we see clear added value. Currently, we are involved in two projects that emphasize staff knowledge enhancement and capacity building. Additionally, we are leading an Anti-Money Laundering Innovation Hub (AMLIH) under the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. We are also participating in the DATACROS III project, which is developing an AI-driven toolbox aimed at strengthening cross-border financial investigations.

How does the Financial Intelligence Unit of Latvia assess which research and innovation projects to progress?

We have an internal assessment procedure through which we evaluate the strategic relevance, operational value, and long-term impact of a project on the prevention of financial crime. We also assess the degree of innovation and the potential to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and advanced OSINT tools.

In this context, the opportunity to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, academia, and private sector partners plays an important role. Such cooperation provides a valuable platform to attract new knowledge and explore critical questions in greater depth.

How did you become engaged in police research and innovation activity? And what experience do you bring to support the delivery of the NOTIONES project?

As the head of the AML Innovation Hub (AMLIH) within the Financial Intelligence Unit of Latvia, I drive initiatives that promote both internal and external cooperation, cultivating an environment conducive to innovation. My role naturally aligns with law enforcement innovation, especially in areas where emerging technologies intersect with the fight against financial and economic crime.

I have substantial experience in technology integration in the investigation process, ensuring compliance with both technical and regulatory frameworks. Promoting innovation through community-building and engagement with European networks, making me well-placed to contribute to knowledge exchange within NOTIONES. In FIU Latvia we have implemented several projects starting from network analysis, data fusion and also ending with AI based solutions, these experience strengthens my ability to support NOTIONES.

What advice would you give to other law enforcement agencies seeking to engage in European security research and innovation?

Projects are a valuable source of knowledge and resources; however, it is essential to clearly understand and align them with your strategic priorities. Doing so allows you to concentrate on the most critical issues and extract the maximum benefit from your participation.

Another key piece of advice is to actively build a strong partner network and engage fully in the proposed activities. When you contribute to meaningful discussions and show interest in specific topics, others are more likely to collaborate, share ideas, and involve you in future initiatives. This proactive engagement often leads to new opportunities and can even serve as a foundation for future projects.

What are the key lessons you have learned in delivering police research and innovation projects?

European projects can be a valuable catalyst for developing new ideas; however, they also require significant time and effort. It is therefore essential to strike a balance between regular workload and project-related activities to ensure that neither is compromised and that both contribute meaningful value to the organisation.

I already mentioned how important is to align projects with strategic goals, so discussions and also engagements in activities will be more meaningful and also impact from these activities will be maximal.

An important topic that emerged through our participation in project activities was how to effectively integrate project outcomes into our regular development and innovation processes. Typically, only a small part of the team is directly involved in project work, so it is crucial to ensure that the knowledge and insights gained do not remain siloed with those individuals. Instead, this expertise should be actively shared across the organisation to strengthen overall institutional capacity and ensure lasting impact.

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