Jēkabs Straume was re-elected in his post in the recent personnel selection process organised to pick a new head for the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB).
Straume was unanimously picked by members of the committee.
He because head of KNAB in June 2017. Before then, Straume worked in the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) for 16 years. Ten of those years he spent working as the chief of the office. Before then he worked at State Police Organized Crime Enforcement Office.
As the head of the service, Straume participated in international missions and represented Latvia and MIDD in NATO institutions. Straume graduated from Latvian Police Academy with professional Master’s degree and attorney’s qualification.
The selection process took place in two stages. In the first stage members of the selection committee reviewed submitted documents, evaluated contenders fitness for the post and the report from the Constitution Protection Bureau on contenders’ fitness for the post to receive a permit to access official secrets.
In accordance with the rules of the selection process, in the second stage contenders discussed with members of the committee their vision for KNAB’s future development and priorities. Only one contender was approved for the second stage of the selection process.
Now the government and the Saeima will need to decide on Straume’s approval.
The committee consisted of State Chancellery director Jānis Citskovskis, Prosecutor General Juris Stukāns, Constitution Protection Bureau director Egils Zviedris and State Security Service chief Normunds Mežviets.