Latvian government agrees to keep current head of KNAB in office

On Tuesday, 24 May, Latvia’s Cabinet of Ministers discussed the topic of re-approval of Jēkabs Straume as the chief of Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) for a second term. Straume received support from the government. Now the Saeima will discuss his candidacy.
As previously reported, Straume was picked for the post in an open selection process in March.
Straume’s first term as chief of KNAB started in June 2017. Before then he worked for 16 years in the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD). Ten of those years were spent working as chief of the office. Before ten he worked in State Police Organized Crime Enforcement Office. His duties included participation in international missions, as well as representation of Latvia and MIDD in NATO institutions.
Straume graduated from Latvian Police Academy with Master’s degree and lawyer 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.