Latvia’s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) carried out investigative actions on Wednesday involving Mārtiņš Brencis, an adviser to Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs of the United List (AS) and a newly elected member of the Saeima. Brencis has been detained, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed to LETA.
Brencis did not report to work on Wednesday and could not be reached. LETA also confirmed that his phone was switched off.
KNAB previously confirmed that it was carrying out investigative actions in a criminal case opened by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) on 11 February this year.
The criminal proceedings concern offences affecting the financial interests of the European Union.
KNAB referred requests for further information to EPPO, but LETA has so far been unable to obtain a comment from the European prosecution body.
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs told journalists on Wednesday that he had learned about the investigative actions only that morning and currently had no detailed information about the case.
“I only learned about this this morning. I understand these are procedural actions carried out by EPPO. I have no further information, so I cannot comment on them at this stage. Let the law enforcement authorities do their job,” the prime minister said.
Kulbergs stressed that his adviser had been suspended from his duties on Wednesday following the incident.
The prime minister said that if the investigation established responsibility on the part of any official in his office, appropriate decisions would be taken immediately.
“If anyone in my office is found to be accountable, we will immediately take the necessary measures on our part,” the head of government said.
According to Kulbergs, the matter currently concerns investigative procedures, and he has no information about the details of the case.
He added that, as far as he was aware, the investigation relates to the individual’s previous activities rather than his current responsibilities.
The prime minister declined to comment further, explaining that investigators were still gathering information and that he had no additional details about the circumstances of the case.
Brencis was elected to Latvia’s 15th Saeima representing the United List and previously held senior positions at the Central Finance and Contracting Agency.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to trial crimes affecting the EU’s financial interests.
These include various forms of fraud, value-added tax fraud involving losses exceeding 10 million euros, money laundering, corruption and other criminal offences.