The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has forwarded to the Prosecution Office materials of criminal proceedings initiated on 18 January 2007 suggesting to bring criminal charges against the former Chief of the Traffic Police Division of the Central Police Department of Riga City of the State Police (RGPP CP Division) for accepting a bribe and against four police officers and seven private persons for giving a bribe.
Evidence gathered within the criminal proceedings gives sufficient ground to consider that the Chief of RGPP CP Division has performed premeditated and coordinated illegal activities by using his official position in order to repeatedly accept bribes.
It was established that four police officers have given bribes and have organized hand over of bribes, as well as in particular cases committed misappropriation of bribes in order to achieve positive decision taking in interests of persons violating traffic regulations.
Within the criminal proceedings KNAB suggests to bring criminal charges against seven private persons for giving bribes to the Chief of RGPP CP Division for decision taking in administrative violation cases in their advantage, as well as for possible closing of administrative case.
Considering that during pre-trial investigation sufficient evidences have been collected, KNAB has forwarded materials of criminal proceedings to the Prosecution Office of Vidzemes District of Riga City suggesting starting criminal prosecution:
- against the former Chief of RGPP CP Division for accepting bribes provided for in Section 320, Paragraph two[1]of the Criminal Law,
- against two suspected police officers for organizing the giving of bribes provided for in Section 323, Paragraph two[2] and for misappropriation of a bribe provided for in Section 321, Paragraph two[3] of the Criminal Law,
- against two suspected police officers for giving of bribes provided for in Section 323, Paragraph two of the Criminal Law,
- against six private persons suspected in giving of bribes provided for in Section 323, Paragraph one and against one suspected private person for committing offence stipulated in Section 323, Paragraph two of the Criminal Law.
On 18 January 2007 KNAB detained two public officials of the State Police's Central Police Department of Riga City - Chief of the Traffic Police Division and his Deputy. KNAB initiated two separate criminal proceedings for committing possible criminal offences related to bribery. Within the second criminal proceedings KNAB is continuing investigation.
[1] Section 320. Accepting Bribes
(1) For a person who commits accepting a bribe, that is, intentionally illegally accepting the offer of material value, property or benefits of another nature, where commission thereof is by a State official personally or through an intermediary, for the performing or failure to perform some act in the interests of the giver or offerer of the bribe or the interests of other persons by using his or her official position,
the applicable sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term not exceeding eight years, with or without confiscation of property.
(2) For a person who commits the same acts, if commission thereof is repeated or on a large scale, or if a bribe is demanded,
the applicable sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term of not less than three and not exceeding ten years, with confiscation of property.
[2] Section 323. Giving of Bribes
(1) For a person who commits giving of bribes, that is, the providing or offering of material value, property or benefits of another nature, if the offer is accepted, personally or through intermediaries to a State official in order that he or she, using his or her official position, performs or fails to perform some act in the interests of the giver or offerer of the bribe, or in the interests of other persons,
the applicable sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term not exceeding six years.
(2) For a person who commits the same acts, if commission thereof is repeated or is committed by a State official, or also if it has been committed in a group of persons pursuant to previous agreement,
the applicable sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term of not less than five and not exceeding twelve years, with or without confiscation of property.
[3] Section 321. Misappropriation of a Bribe
(1) For a person who commits misappropriation of a bribe which a person has received in order to provide to a State official, or which he or she has accepted, pretending to be a State official,
the applicable sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term not exceeding four years or with confiscation of property, or community service, or a fine not exceeding one hundred times the minimum monthly wage.
(2) For a person who commits misappropriation of a bribe which a State official has received in order to provide it to another State official, or which he or she has accepted claiming to be another State official,
the applicable sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term not exceeding six years or with confiscation of property.