The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Working Group on Bribery (WGB) outlines significant progress accomplished by Latvia when it comes to the execution of 3rd phase recommendations, reaching and demonstrating tangible results in investigation and prevention of bribery of foreign officials, as confirmed by Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB).
Latvia has fully or partially completed 35 out of 44 recommendations provided by OECD WGB.
The work group welcomes the successful investigation and decision to prosecute two criminal cases regarding possible bribery of foreign officials, proving KNAB’s ability to investigate no only domestic but also cross-border bribery cases, KNAB reports. «The work group also welcomed KNAB’s cooperation with other institutions, including Office for Prevention of Laundering of Proceeds Derived from Criminal Activity, in investigation of money laundering and bribery of foreign officials».
At the same time, OECD WGB also gave KNAB a positive evaluation for its proactive approach when it comes to investigation of foreign official bribery cases, as well as efforts put into allocating additional human resources towards investigation activities and organising corruption and money laundering investigation training.
Chief of KNAB Jēkabs Straume comments: «The report from OECD WGB is affirmation of Latvia’s hard work in implementing the organisation’s recommendations in prevention and investigation of foreign officials’ bribery and related crimes in the last two years. This field will remain a priority for KNAB. Our bureau will work in cooperation with other institutions in this field, including the Office of the Prosecutor and Office for Prevention of Laundering of Proceeds Derived from Criminal Activity.»
OECD: Latvia has accomplished progress in the fight against bribery of foreign officials
