Threats to cultural heritage, incl. looting and destruction of archaeological sites, illegal obtaining, removal, and trafficking of antiquities lead to impoverishment of archaeological heritage. These threats are often observed from the point of view of criminal justice and heritage deprivation, not always paying sufficient attention to socio-economic consequences. The research literature on the threats to archeological heritage and their consequences most often addresses situations in countries located outside the Baltic region of Europe. However, the statistical information on the damage of Latvian archaeological sites and the illegal trade of archaeological artifacts originating from Latvia leads to the conclusion that the danger for archeological heritage in the country is significant, although the situation has improved in recent years. Therefore it would be useful to conduct a study regarding socio-economic consequences of the aforementioned threats. These socio-economic consequences concern both local and regional development barriers from the point of view of cultural tourism, economic activities, investment, public revenue, scientific and research potential, museum performance, cultural and aesthetic losses, lack of possibilities to know one’s own history, and also in terms of preserving cultural and historical heritage for future generations. Considering the size of Latvia in terms of territory and population, disturbances of local and regional socio-economic development can also have a significant impact on national development. The presentation, using available empirical data, will provide insight into socio-economic consequences of the threats to archaeological heritage in Latvia, as well as outline further research to be carried out in this area.