Latvian police detained 21 individuals on March 22, including several high-ranking state officials, on suspicion of fraud related to European Union funding. The alleged scheme involved influencing the outcomes of at least six public procurement contracts for IT systems, totaling over €1.5 million.
Investigation Details
Authorities allege that those involved entered into a secret agreement to predetermine the winners of the procurement processes. Profits from these contracts were allegedly shared among members of the group, with indications that state officials assisted in unlawfully securing the contracts. A coordinated operation involving 67 searches was conducted in Riga and the surrounding region.
Criminal proceedings are being overseen by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). The investigation resulted in the collection of substantial evidence and the detention of all 21 individuals. Jorens Liopa, currently the deputy director of the Nature Conservation Department at the Nature Conservation Agency, has been suspended from his position.
Separate Agricultural Fraud Case
In a separate case on March 20, the EPPO secured a conviction at the Riga City Court for procurement fraud involving EU agricultural funds. The case involved a project to reclaim agricultural land and reconstruct an amelioration system, funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and managed by the Latvian Rural Support Service, resulting in damages of €95,803.67.
Investigations revealed that the project beneficiary colluded with another operator to manipulate the procurement process, ensuring a pre-selected company received the contract. The work was then carried out using the beneficiary’s own resources, violating procurement regulations. Both individuals involved were found guilty of large-scale fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of funding was involved in the IT procurement case?
The IT procurement projects were financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with a total value of over €1.5 million.
How many individuals were arrested in connection with the IT procurement fraud?
Twenty-one individuals, including several high-ranking state officials, were detained on March 22.
What was the outcome of the separate case involving EU agricultural funds?
On March 20, the EPPO achieved a conviction at the Riga City Court for procurement fraud involving EU agricultural funds, resulting in damages of €95,803.67.
What impact will these investigations have on future EU funding allocations to Latvia?
