Dombrava terminates cooperation memoranda with two NGOs, launches audit of allocated funds

Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava announced on July 10 that he has terminated cooperation memoranda signed by previous ministers with two non-governmental organizations: 'Gribu palīdzēt bēgļiem' and 'Latvijas Sieviešu nevalstisko organizāciju sadarbības tīkls'. The announcement was made via his X account.

Dombrava stated that both organizations have received hundreds of thousands of euros from the state budget and European Union funds, and an audit of these funds is now underway. The ministry has initiated an analysis of programs, including funding allocated from Interior Ministry funds for NGOs.

The minister noted that the Finance Ministry conducted a random audit of one project and found gross violations requiring full repayment of 100% of the funds. He also suggested that law enforcement agencies may need to get involved, as the projects showed 'very suspicious activities' – for instance, organizations allegedly faked integration activities worth hundreds of thousands of euros by taking people to the circus.

One of the specific projects with violations is 'Societal Diversity and Intercultural Communication for Professionals Working with Third-Country Nationals'. Its partners include 'Latvijas Sieviešu NVO sadarbības tīkls' and the Latvian Association of Local Governments. The project has a budget of €246,755 and runs from July 1, 2024, to April 30, 2027. It plans to train 250 people, including border guards, NGO representatives, and medical personnel.

Dombrava also pointed out that a board member of one organization was involved in Belarus' hybrid war activities, supporting individuals illegally crossing the state border. Additionally, one of the organizations has a first-instance conviction, which, according to the minister, excludes them from receiving funding.