A representative of ex-Minister of Defence Artis Pabriks’ office was involved in the decision-making regarding the army food procurement project worth EUR 200 million, as mentioned by incumbent Minister of Defence Ināra Mūrniece in an interview to TV3 on Tuesday, the 20th of February.
«The first conclusions are unpleasant,» said the politician about the procurement. «An atypical situation has appeared – a representative of the previous minister’s office was present in the procurement committee and made decisions in regards to requirements related to this procurement.» [This person’s name is not publicly mentioned – BNN.]
Mūrniece has requested a more detailed evaluation of the situation. The Audit Department of the Ministry of Defence is involved in it.
The minister expects results to come in ten days’ time.
As previously reported, last year Roja-based Zītari LZ received a EUR 220 million worth food supply contract for the needs of National Armed Forces for the next five years. The ministry has put together explanations why this company was picked. However, Mūrniece has ordered an in-depth inspection regardless. In autumn 2022 the Ministry of Defence sent documents related to the procurement to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau.
Information available on Firmas.lv indicates that the company that has existed for 31 years is currently owned by Laura Zeltiņa and attorney at law Modris Supe. Zeltiņa is the beneficial owner, who is also the company’s board chairman. Information available on KNAB database indicates that in May 2022 Supe had donated EUR 2 500 to For Latvia’s Development political party. A year prior he had donated EUR 2 000. In 2017 and 2015 he donated a total of EUR 10 000 to the party Honour to Serve Riga.
The company owns four restaurants in Talsi and Riga, a bistro in Riga, a pub, a cafe and pizzeria in Ventspils. Information from Firmas.lv indicates the company owns nine vehicles – four cars, four trucks and one trailer.
The website of the Procurement Monitoring Bureau (PMB) mentions that in previous years the company was one of the winners in procurements organised by the Children’s and Youth Basketball School Riga for catering services at sports camps. The company also provided services to Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. Information from LETA’s archive indicates that in the past the company had provided warm meals to Riga’s low-income residents.
The company’s account for 2021 mentions that Zītari LZ mainly provides catering services to public transport company Rīgas satiksme, catering points and Rija school cafeteria. The company also provides catering services to other legal and private persons. In 2021 the company’s operations were affected and limited by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The contract with Zītari LZ covers creation of a logistical system that combines a number of food producers and other merchants to ensure food supplies to all NBS units in Latvia.
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