The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has commenced a new criminal procedure against MEP and ex-mayor of Riga Nils Ušakovs.
He confirmed to the media that he is a suspect and the criminal case is associated with free tickets for pensioners, students, third-group invalids and child invalids in Riga’s shuttle buses.
He said the procedure was initiated by the current management of Riga City Council – Mayor Mārtiņš Staķis and Vice-Mayor Vilnis Ķirsis. According to Ušakovs, these two believe the money that was spent to carry seniors, children and invalids caused losses to the city, and that Ušakovs is the one to blame.
«What can I say – the decision to provide free public transport services to pensioners and students was absolutely correct and legal. There is nothing to accuse me of in legal, ethical or moral standpoint.
Even if I have to face lies in this case like before, I know I will prove my innocence,» said Ušakovs.
He said that enemies have done a lot in fighting him and Harmony – he was dismissed from his mayoral post, the city council was dissolved and there was an attempt to sue him.
«Now we have to wait for the criminal procedure over free lunches in schools, because this can definitely be considered a loss for Riga City Council,» said Ušakovs.
As previously reported, Riga City Court found Ušakovs not guilty in the criminal case involving a secret spy camera in his office. The prosecution office presented him with charges at the end of 2021.
In November 2021 the European Parliament removed Ušakovs’ MEP immunity. He remains an MEP because he was given the post by the Latvian state and no other institution has the authority to take it away.
In January 2019 KNAB performed a search and found a spy device in the office of then Mayor of Riga Nils Ušakovs.
Also read: Corruption watchdog detains three in relation to scandalous Latvian army food procurement