Tomorrow, 1st August, will be the last working day of Jēkabs Straume as Director of the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB), Latvia’s leading anti-corruption agency. Having reached the age and completed the required length of service entitling him to a service pension, he has decided to retire before the end of his term of office. Jēkabs Straume has headed KNAB since 15 June 2017.
KNAB Director Jēkabs Straume: “During the nine years I have led Latvia’s leading anti-corruption agency, significant work has been accomplished. When I took office, the first and most important task I set for myself was to rebuild the KNAB team and overcome the division within the institution. I am pleased that we have succeeded. A professional, cohesive team united around a common goal has been the foundation for all subsequent achievements.
Over these years, KNAB has strengthened its role as a strong, professional and internationally recognised anti-corruption agency. We have significantly strengthened the corruption prevention system, improved oversight of political party financing and pre-election campaigning, and uncovered and successfully investigated numerous complex corruption cases. Together with our partners, we have also achieved significant results in combating the bribery of foreign public officials.
At the same time, KNAB’s institutional capacity has been significantly developed. KNAB’s mandate has been expanded, its analytical capabilities have been strengthened, and an increasingly targeted, data-driven approach to identifying corruption risks and setting work priorities has been introduced. This has enabled KNAB to increasingly shift its focus from responding to corruption cases that have already occurred towards the timely identification, mitigation and prevention of corruption risks.
During this time, I have become convinced that the greatest changes do not happen overnight, nor are they the achievement of any one person. They arise from a shared determination to act with integrity and not remain indifferent to corruption. Public opinion surveys conducted by KNAB in recent years also demonstrate this trend – an increasing number of people are willing to report suspected cases of corruption and turn directly to KNAB, including by revealing their identity.
Working at KNAB is meaningful work, where every duty, every decision made, every report received and every initiative matters. I would therefore like to express my gratitude to every KNAB employee and every partner in Latvia and abroad for their contribution to preventing and combating corruption. I would also like to extend special thanks to every whistleblower for whom integrity is not merely a principle, but a choice made every day.
I am confident that a solid foundation has been established at KNAB to continue along the development path we have begun. The most important pillar of this foundation is not only the institution’s powers or the tools at its disposal, but also its people. People are KNAB’s greatest asset. As long as KNAB has professionals who are not afraid to learn, adapt and make difficult decisions, KNAB will be able to stay one step ahead of evolving corruption risks and those seeking ways to circumvent the law. Honour over power!”
As of 2nd August this year, Ineta Cīrule, currently Deputy Director of KNAB for Investigation Matters, is expected to perform the duties of the Director of KNAB.