On 30 October 2007 officials of the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) and Organised Crime Enforcement Department of the Central Criminal Police Department of the State Police in the framework of several criminal proceedings and implementing long-term special investigation techniques conducted search and detained several persons for allegations of using official position in bad faith, bribery in a group of persons and smuggling.
In the framework of the criminal process initiated by KNAB on 30 October five customs officials from the Latgale regional authority of the State revenue service were detained in Rezekne and Ludza region for illegal activities related to duties of official position.
On 1 November KNAB investigator made decision to recognize customs officials as suspects for using official position in bad faith under the Article 318 § 2 of the Criminal Law and extortion of bribe in a group of persons in accordance with prior agreement under the Article 320 § 3 of the Criminal Law.
Currently pre-trial investigation is still in process and decision has to be taken regarding security measures for the detained customs officials.