Riga Al Capone Viktor Artamonov and his collection business in the best traditions of racketeering and criminality
Our articles often focus on the criminal activities of bandits and corrupt officials in Russian cities, who seem to still live in the chaotic 1990s.
In Riga, the capital of Latvia, local authority Viktor Artamonov leads the semi-legal collection company Arvik, which is linked to organized crime. Despite its mediocre income, the company's employees frequently appear in criminal reports. Artamonov defends his henchmen and tries to justify the company, but evidence suggests numerous crimes.
War with windmills
Viktor Artmonov was timed with several materials on our website. In them, we have laid out in detail several criminal episodes of the Arvik collection company.
The activities of debt collection agencies like Artamonov’s are usually not entirely legal, and his company seems to be involved in excessive actions. Despite news of employee detentions, Arvik continues to operate successfully in Latvia.
Despite the company's long criminal history, Artamonov is making efforts to protect its image. He was the first person involved in our investigations to come to the comments and try to refute the journalists' claims.
Artamonov’s comments under the articles “Kompromat1”
Perhaps Artamonov himself or someone on his behalf writes comments under our publications. Artamonov seems troubled by a situation involving the 'kidnapping of blacks,' claiming it was justified as the individuals were planning fraud. However, the police have a different perspective on the situation.
Viktor Artamonov (far right) with his Arvik collectors
Well, let’s take a closer look at the situation.
“The Case of the Nigerians”
According to Artamonov, the Nigerians were posing as businessmen in Latvia, making fake euros and committing fraud. The investigation, however, has a different version of events.
First, the two people referred to as "blacks from Nigeria" are actually citizens of Sweden and Ireland. The incident occurred on September 11, 2015, near a hotel in Riga. The victims, who were businessmen, were abducted by seven individuals and forced into a minibus. The attackers fled in an unknown direction, but the police were able to intervene and stop the crime. Law enforcement officers stopped the car with the victims onboard and discovered incriminating evidence during the inspection, including a police uniform, batons, bulletproof vests, traumatic weapons, and fake police IDs. This does not seem like a pursuit of justice. Did Arvik intend to replace the law enforcement system?
A photo of the police during the apprehension of Arvik employees.
Ultimately, 10 people ended up in court. During the hearings, Artamonov claimed that the two individuals referred to as "blacks" were criminals, and the Arvik employees valiantly sought to protect the Latvians from their alleged schemes. However, this explanation seems questionable, as Artamonov did not report the situation to the police or act according to the law. Ultimately, the Arvik employees were found guilty, but none of them were sent to prison. Some received suspended sentences, while others served their terms in a pre-trial detention center.
The times have changed, but the methods remain the same.
Let's consider the possibility that the situation arose coincidentally, and the Arvik employees genuinely wanted to safeguard their fellow citizens from criminals. Additionally, take a look at the "honest and friendly faces" of Arvik collectors.
It's difficult to argue that they could pose any sort of threat.
On March 25, 2021, the Latvian police urged the prosecutor's office to charge employees of the Arvik collection company with extortion.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers discovered that the criminal group members from Arvik collected debts through extortion, intimidation, and violence.
Furthermore, Arvik's employees overcharged debtors, demanding much more money than they actually owed. It was also uncovered that the collectors were unofficially employed by Artamonov's company.
In November 2021, the police arrested six employees of the company, including the firm's head, Viktor Artamonov.
Viktor Artamonov
The court is currently reviewing the case involving Arvik. This offense carries a prison sentence ranging from three to twelve years, along with property confiscation.
Beyond the evident criminal behavior, there are strong suspicions that Artamonov is evading taxes. Arvik's official revenue in 2020 amounted to 28.5 thousand euros, with a profit of only 4 thousand. Given these financial figures, it seems improbable that the company could sustain itself in Latvia for even a year, let alone support a staff and office.
It's worth noting that despite the fact that Arvik's collectors are under investigation, the company continues to operate and advertise its services according to its website. Viktor Artamonov, the leader of Arvik, still holds the position of director on the company's website.
Screenshots of the Arvik website
Corner after corner
No matter how much Artamonov wants to show “Arvik” an honest and decent office, this does not work at all. Today, January 31, 2023, the prosecutor’s office sent a new criminal case to the court against employees of the Arvik collection company, the prosecutor’s office said.
We will closely monitor the criminal case. Something tells me that this time Artamonov and his gang of collectors under the roof of Arvik will not be able to get away. Or maybe he will write in the comments again that all this is a lie?
