EPPO probe into EU funds in Aluksne: Latvia's anti-corruption bureau detains PM adviser Brencis
Latvia's Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB), acting on a request from the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), carried out searches in Aluksne municipality and detained Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs's adviser, newly elected MP Martins Brencis. The investigation concerns suspected procurement fraud involving more than 1.4 million euros of EU funding.
On Wednesday, 28 October, Latvia's Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB), at the request of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), conducted searches and other procedural actions in an investigation into suspected procurement fraud and abuse of office involving officials of the Aluksne municipality. Also detained was Martins Brencis, an adviser to Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List) and a newly elected member of the Saeima, Latvia's parliament. EPPO is the EU body that investigates crimes against the European Union's financial interests.
What is known about the investigation
EPPO says municipal officials, together with representatives of companies operating in the town, may have taken part in unlawful activity to obtain more than 1.4 million euros from the European Regional Development Fund for a municipal project. The aim was to build three production facilities and lease them to businesses. Under the project's terms, tenants were to be chosen in an open, transparent and non-discriminatory auction.
According to EPPO, the evidence indicates the suspects misled the responsible authorities and, in breach of the conditions, built the facilities for entrepreneurs selected in advance. During the searches, documents, cash and ammunition were seized. EPPO opened the case on 11 February this year. The total number of people involved is not known. The news agency LETA could not reach Aluksne mayor Dzintars Adlers (New Unity) or the municipality's chief executive Inga Berkule.
The prime minister's comments
Kulbergs told journalists he learned of the procedural actions only that morning and has no detailed information. He said the adviser has been suspended from his duties and promised immediate decisions if any official in his office is found responsible. As far as he knows, the actions relate to the person's earlier work rather than current duties.
Who Brencis is
In the prime minister's office, Brencis coordinated the agenda of cooperation councils. He was elected to the 15th Saeima for the United List. He previously worked at the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFLA), which oversees the use of EU funds, as director in 2018 and deputy director from 2019 to 2025.
