The office of the prosecutor in Latvia has presented Latvian MEP and former mayor of Riga Nils Ušakovs with official charges in the criminal case involving ownership of an illegal video surveillance device.
Charges were presented at the end of 2021 in accordance with Section 237.1 of the Criminal Law – violation of the provisions for the circulation of goods of strategic significance, explains the office of the prosecutor.
Such a crime is punishable with deprivation of freedom for up to two years, community service or fine with a prohibition to engage in certain activities for a period of up to five years. Currently it is unknown when this case could be submitted to court.
On Thursday, 11 November 2021, the European Parliament decided to strip Latvian MEP and former mayor of Riga Nils Ušakovs of his immunity.
Commenting on this decision by the European Parliament, the politician said he has nothing to fear. Ušakovs said he invited other MEPs to vote in favour of stripping him of the immunity and he voted in favour as well.
BNN previously reported that in January 2019 Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) found a hidden device in Ušakovs’ office in Riga City Council. KNAB reported that a video surveillance device was hidden in a book on one of the shelves.
KNAB later requested the Office of the Prosecutor General to raise criminal charges against the now ex-Riga mayor.
Riga’s ex-mayor presented with charges in illegal video surveillance device case
