Head of Latvia's Financial Intelligence Unit Platacis and deputy Iljenkovs to leave

Toms Platacis, head of Latvia's Financial Intelligence Unit (FID), the agency that combats money laundering and oversees sanctions implementation, has decided to leave his post on 11 December. News agency LETA learned that his deputy for sanctions, Paulis Iljenkovs, is also departing, so the leadership of the agency faces significant changes.

Platacis's decision

The agency says the decision relates to Platacis's future professional goals. He said he informed colleagues and responsible officials in mid-summer so that the redistribution of duties and a transition could be planned in good time.

Platacis believes two main goals have been achieved: the FID led Latvia's participation in the sixth round of the international Moneyval evaluation of its anti-money-laundering system, and a centralised sanctions implementation function was created. After almost eight years at the agency, he plans to return to the private sector and set up his own company in the anti-money-laundering field. He said his decision was unrelated to any difficulty working with Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava (National Alliance). He has discussed with the minister who might cover the role until a permanent head is chosen. The current deputies are Iljenkovs, Kārlis Matisons and Marta Jaksona.

Iljenkovs's plans

Iljenkovs plans to finish at the end of November after more than seven years at the FID. He considered running for the head's post but chose to return to the private sector and resume doctoral studies, aiming to complete a thesis on international sanctions and anti-money-laundering matters.

Background

The Saeima, Latvia's parliament, elected Platacis to a five-year term on 28 September 2023. Before that he served as deputy head and performed the head's duties.