Preventing and combating economic crime at the Border Crossing Point Terehova

Latvia (LV)

Project facts

Project promoter:
State Revenue Service of the Republic of Latvia(LV)
Project Number:
LV-HOMEAFFAIRS-0002
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€2,519,200
Other Project Partners
Latvian State Real Estate(LV)
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(FR)
Programme:
International Police Cooperation and Combating Crime

More information

Description

The main aim of the project is to contribute to combating and preventing economic crime by increasing the effectiveness of the work of the border crossing point "Terehova" located on the Latvian – Russian border. The project is seeking to achieve an increase in the annual number of cash seizure cases on the border, improving the knowledge and skills of the customs and border control authorities, strengthening the capacity of the cynology service of the Latvian Customs, by the reconstruction and renovation of existing facilities, and improving the border control infrastructure at border crossing point "Terehova".


 The main activities in the project include:

  • enhancement of the inter-agency cooperation among border control institutions by holding seminars for three control institutions performing their tasks in the border crossing point to ensure efficient border control management, united action and fight against economic crimes;
  • development of an inter-agency procedure and secure method for exchange of information among control institutions;
  • improvement of the existing infrastructure (the main control building of the border crossing point and pavilion for X-ray and luggage control);
  • reconstruction of facilities for cynology needs, including training grounds for dog training;
  • training of staff (dog handlers) in accordance with up-to-date requirements and training of detection dogs;
  • advanced training sessions for service dogs;
  • research activities (research and analysis on substances/ingredients used in cigarette manufacturing, and efficiency on the use of modern teaching and learning aid in customs service dog training);
  • study visits for dog handlers.

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address the following issues and challenges:

  • weaknesses in border control effectiveness:
    • the project sought to improve the overall effectiveness of border control at the Terehova crossing point, specifically in combating economic crime.
    • this included increasing the number of cash seizure cases, indicating a need for more robust detection and enforcement.  
  • need for enhanced inter-agency cooperation:
    • there was a recognized need to improve cooperation and coordination among the various border control institutions (customs, border guards, and the Food and Veterinary Service).  
    • this lack of unified action hindered effective border control management.
  • inadequate infrastructure:
    • the existing infrastructure at the Terehova crossing point was deemed insufficient, requiring upgrades to support effective border control operations.
  • strengthening Cynology Service:
    • the project aimed to enhance the capacity of the Cynology Service of the National Customs Board, including improvements to facilities and training for dog handlers and detection dogs.
  • improving information exchange:
    • the project aimed to develop a secure and efficient method for inter-agency information exchange to facilitate effective border control.
  • lack of up to date training:
    • the need to improve the training of staff, especially dog handlers, in the latest methods and techniques.

The project involved a comprehensive set of activities aimed at enhancing border control effectiveness. Here''s a breakdown of the key actions and outputs:

  • enhancement of inter-agency cooperation:
    • seminars were held to improve cooperation among customs, border guards, and the Food and Veterinary Service.
    • development of an inter-agency procedure and secure method for information exchange.
  • infrastructure improvement:
    • development of a technical design for a luggage control terminal.
    • restoration of the asphalt surface.
    • reconstruction of the boiler house.
    • replacement of electricity distribution in the utility building.
    • acquisition and connection of guaranteed uninterrupted power supply equipment (UPS).
    • replacement of deep-well water pumps and well flushing.
    • installation of ventilation in control pavilions.
  • Cynology Service enhancement:
    • reconstruction of facilities for cynology needs, including dog training grounds.
    • training of dog handlers in the latest methods and techniques.
    • training of detection dogs.
    • advanced training sessions for service dogs.
    • study visits for dog handlers.
  • research and development:
    • research activities resulting in two papers:
      • analysis of substances or ingredients used in cigarette manufacturing.
      • evaluation of the efficiency of modern teaching and learning aids in customs service dog training.
  • information system further development:
    • further development of the existing DOIS (information system for automated distribution of tasks for customs officials at BCP).

Essentially, the project combined infrastructure upgrades, technological improvements, enhanced training, and strengthened inter-agency cooperation to create a more effective border control system at Terehova.

The project achieved several significant results, benefiting a range of stakeholders with the following outcomes and impacts:

  • increased border control effectiveness:
    • the project aimed to increase the number of cash seizure cases, indicating enhanced detection capabilities.
    • improved infrastructure and enhanced inter-agency cooperation contributed to more efficient border control operations.
  • enhanced inter-agency cooperation:
    • seminars and the development of information exchange procedures fostered better collaboration among customs, border guards, and the Food and Veterinary Service.
    • this led to a more unified and coordinated approach to border control.
  • improved infrastructure:
    • renovations and upgrades to the Terehova crossing point enhanced operational efficiency and provided a more secure working environment.
    • the improvements to the infrastructure allowed for more effective luggage control.
  • strengthened Cynology Service:
    • reconstruction of facilities and enhanced training improved the effectiveness of the Cynology Service.
    • better trained dog handlers and detection dogs improved the ability to detect contraband.
  • enhanced staff capabilities:
    • training programs improved the skills and knowledge of border control personnel, particularly dog handlers.
    • improved use of the DOIS system improved the efficiency of the customs officials.
  • increased knowledge:
    • research papers added to the knowledge regarding cigarette manufacturing, and dog training.

Beneficiaries:

  • State Revenue Service and Border Guard Board:
    • these agencies benefited from improved infrastructure, enhanced training, and better inter-agency cooperation.
  • customs officials and border control personnel:
    • they gained improved skills, better working conditions, and enhanced tools for their work.
  • Latvian society:
    • citizens benefit from a more secure border, reduced economic crime, and improved detection of contraband.
  • the Latvian economy:
    • reduced economic crime contributes to a more stable and secure economic environment.
  • the environment:
    • the project helped to reduce the smuggling of possibly harmful goods.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.