Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has requested criminal prosecution of a state official of the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR.
In its announcement to the media on Thursday, the 1st of December, KNAB reported that in the request sent to Vidzeme Prosecution Office on the 25th of December mentions: the official in question may have used their official post for selfish reasons can caused losses for the state institution.
The extent of the losses caused to the institute is estimated at nearly EUR 130 000.
Evidence acquired in the pre-trial investigation indicates that the official illegally farmed fish in two of BIOR’s fish farms. Specifically – the pools were illegally established within the institute’s premises using the institute’s infrastructure and resources. The crime in question continued between August 2018 and June 2021.
KNAB commenced criminal proceedings on the 5th of July 2021. The bureau concluded its investigation after sending materials of the case to Vidzeme Prosecution Office. Now the prosecutor in charge of the case will need to decide on how to proceed.
KNAB reminds that any person involved in a criminal procedure has the rights for defence. KNAB adds that presumption of innocence is valid across all stages of criminal proceedings.
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