Security forces detained adviser to the head of the Latvian government

In Latvia, Martins Brencis, an adviser to Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, was detained as part of an investigation into alleged fraud using EU funds. This was reported by the agency LETA. After receiving information about the detention, the head of government ordered the release of the adviser from his post.

Investigative actions are related to the expenditure of European funds for the project of the municipality of the Aluksne region. The Office for Prevention and Counteraction of Corruption conducted a search in the framework of the criminal process on possible violations in procurement and abuse of official powers.

Kulbergs found out about the arrest this morning. He admitted that the incident may be related to the previous activities of Brencis, and expressed readiness to take measures against employees of his staff in case of bringing them to justice.

Brencis began working in the Prime Minister’s Office on 1 June. Previously, he held senior positions at the Central Agency for Finance and Contracts, worked in the finance department responsible for EU funds, as well as in other public institutions. He is also a member of the Council of the University of Latvia.

The European Prosecutor’s Office opened a criminal case on the project on February 11. According to the investigation, the municipal employees acted together with representatives of commercial companies to illegally receive more than 1.4 million euros from the European Regional Development Fund.

The project provided for the construction of three production facilities on the territory of the Aluksne Territory, which were subsequently to be leased to enterprises. The terms of the financing required the selection of tenants through open and transparent auctions without discrimination.

However, according to the materials of the European Prosecutor’s Office, the suspects could mislead the responsible authorities and organize the construction of facilities for pre-defined entrepreneurs, violating the established rules. According to the investigation, this caused damage to the financial interests of Latvia and the European Union.