Latvia is to Sell Cars Intended as a Give-Away to Ukraine

A Latvian charity organization, the Tev society, is asking Ukrainian residents for financial contributions to facilitate the transfer of confiscated vehicles from Latvia. These vehicles, seized from drunk drivers, have been sent to Ukraine as part of humanitarian efforts.

For several years, the Agendum organization, known as the “Twitter convoy,” has been responsible for transporting these confiscated cars to Ukraine. However, this year, the State Security Agency (NVA) has partnered with three additional organizations: the Uzņēmēji mieram fund, the Tavi draugi society, and the Tev society.
The Tev society has approached the Ministry of Internal Affairs to oversee the delivery of these vehicles. Thus far in 2023, they have received 41 cars confiscated from intoxicated drivers in Latvia.
While Latvian charities also accept vehicle donations from various institutions and companies, recent reports indicate that the Tev society is soliciting monetary contributions from Ukrainians to cover transportation costs.
Amela Al-Asbahi, a representative of the Tev society, explained, “We calculated that our expenses amount to 1,000 euros per vehicle. We ask for compensation for fuel to transport [the car] there… Additionally, mandatory insurance is required, which is also an expense for us. Sometimes repairs are needed, and we have to purchase spare parts. Occasionally, these cars aren’t even located in Riga, so we have to buy or rent a trailer to transport them. In short, there are ongoing costs. We can only continue our work if we are compensated for these expenses.”
This request for 1,000 euros per vehicle has raised eyebrows, especially since the “Twitter convoy,” organized by MEP Reinis Pozņaks, reportedly delivers cars to Ukraine for just 400 euros. Laura Pliča-Stankeviča from Agendum noted that they can no longer afford to deliver vehicles with full tanks.
Ukrainian resident Yaroslav expressed his shock at the Tev society’s request for payment. “I know for a fact that these cars are sent to Ukraine for free. And suddenly, there’s a need to pay. It’s unclear how to pay and where the money will go—into a bank account or in cash,” he said.
Experts have pointed out that requesting 1,000 euros for vehicle transfers could be both unethical and illegal. According to the “Law on Support for the Civil Population of Ukraine,” vehicles should only be transferred free of charge, with organizations expected to cover related expenses through donations.
Al-Asbahi acknowledged the request for funds but attributed it to a lack of donations to the Tev society. “What should I do if I need to make a delivery but we don’t have funds for it? We volunteer our time and invest our own resources but cannot cover everything ourselves,” she stated.
She outlined two methods for collecting funds: receiving direct contributions from government institutions or military entities and advising Ukrainians seeking vehicles to find charity funds willing to cover transportation costs.
As this situation unfolds, many are left questioning the ethical implications of charging for humanitarian aid and the transparency of financial practices within charitable organizations.