On June 14 Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) started criminal proceedings regarding illegal activities of the joint stock company "Latvenergo" officials alleging use of official position in bad faith for purposes of acquiring property, passive bribery and laundering of criminally acquired assets on a large scale in a group of persons during the period of time from 2006 until June 2010.
Eight persons were detained in the framework of criminal proceedings on 15-16 June, five of these persons work at state companies "Latvenergo" and "Sadales tīkls".
In the course of pre-trial investigation it was detected that officials of the joint stock company "Latvenergo" and owner of a private commercial entity in organised group pursuant to prior agreement legalised large amounts of illegaly gained money and other assets. For this purpose companies registered in Latvia and in other countries were used. Amount of legalised assets is not less than 1 130 000 euros.
Evidences collected within the investigation give sufficient grounds to suspect two "Latvenergo" officials for using official position in bad faith for purposes of acquiring property and laundering of criminally acquired assets on a large scale in a group of persons. Two "Sadales tīkls" officials were recognized suspects in using official position in bad faith for purposes of acquiring property. Further, a company employee and both officials of private companies are suspected for abetting use of official position in bad faith, in addition one of the mentioned persons is also suspected for laundering of criminally acquired assets.
In accordance with the court decision security measure related to deprivation of liberty was applied to both public officials and one private person. Security measure not related to deprivation of liberty was applied to the rest of suspects: ban to approach certain persons and state company employee is also banned to perform official duties.