Warden Message – Security Advisory
July 10, 2009
The American Embassy continues to be concerned about the number of reported instances of crimes perpetrated against foreign clientele at local bars, clubs and lounges in Riga. There have been a number of additional reports recently of foreign tourists being charged extortionate prices for drinks in bars. Some have then been assaulted, threatened or forced to withdraw money from an ATM to pay for the bill. On 7 July 2009, the Regional Security Officer at the American Embassy placed the following establishments off-limits for American staff, their family members and TDY official visitors:
Babylon—Kalku 24
located near the entrance to Old Town on Kalku street (formerly Roxy Klub).
Royal—Kalku 22
located next door to Roxy Klub (formerly Lord’s Pub and Groks Pub).
Saxon – Laipu 7
located near Livu Square in a small street to the right of restaurant Steiku Haoss.
Foxy Lounge—Terbatas 2
located below the “Fashion Café” in the basement of the Vegas casino at the corner of Terbatas and Merkelastreets near the flower market.
Infinity Bars– Vagnera 8
located near Livu Square in a small street to the right of Roxy, Groks and Pink Panther (formerly Bar Fly).
Mary—Audeju 13
located on the east side of Galleria Center Mall in Old Town.
Pussy Lounge– Marstalu 12
located to the right of Reformed Church (formerly Doll House and Zig Zag).
Puzzle—Kalku 22; located next door to Royal (formerly Pink Panther).
Roxbury – Valnu iela
located in Old Town across from Lounge 8 (formerly Mademoiselle Cigar Club).
Sakura — Grecinieku 28; located in Old Town (formerly Nobu Sushi).
Versace – M. Jaunavu (located down a dead end street in Old Town)
Zephyr Bar – located on Audeju Iela near Galleria Center in Old Town
Cognac Bar — Baznicas 1/3
These establishments are notorious for credit card fraud extortion scams, prostitution rings and violence by organized criminals. Additionally, several of these bars have begun sending women out to legitimate establishments to lure in clients to other bars, who are then subject to extortion and violence.
Embassy staff and their family members are officially prohibited from patronizing these locals. These prohibitions were put into place to ensure the safety of American Embassy employees and their family members. As noted in the Country Specific Information, these scams can occur at other facilities as well. All American citizens are reminded to be vigilant to avoid becoming a victim of this type of crime.
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s “A Safe Trip Abroad.”
If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy or Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
In the event of an emergency, The U.S. Embassy in Riga can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at +371 6703-6200. The Embassy’s web site, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in Latvia, is at: http://riga.usembassy.gov.
U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.
Americans living or traveling in Latvia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.
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