Jānis Roze to be put forward as head of Latvia's anti-corruption bureau

The selection committee for the head of Latvia's Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has decided to recommend Jānis Roze, currently KNAB deputy chief for operational matters, to Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs for approval at a government meeting. The appointment still requires a decision by the Cabinet and the Saeima, Latvia's parliament. The State Chancellery gave the information to the LETA news agency.

The competition was launched after the previous KNAB chief, Jēkabs Straume, unexpectedly retired on a long-service pension in early August without explanation, before his term ended. Straume first took the post in June 2017 and was re-elected in 2022 for another five-year term. The bureau is currently led by deputy chief Ineta Cīrule, who did not apply in the competition.

Roze's career

LETA's archive shows that Roze became head of KNAB's Internal Security Division in 2014, a post offered to him by the then chief, Jaroslavs Streļčenoks. In the summer of 2016 he was moved to the position of Streļčenoks's deputy for combating corruption. Before joining KNAB, Roze worked at the Security Police, which later became the State Security Service.

Reiniks did not advance to the second round. He began working at KNAB around 2006 and previously served in the State Police. Both KNAB officials declined to tell LETA what the status of their further participation in the competition was.

How the selection works

In the first round the committee reviewed the submitted documents and whether candidates met the mandatory requirements. In the second round it assesses qualifications, experience and knowledge in depth, and hears candidates' views on KNAB's priorities, development and improving anti-corruption measures in Latvia. At the end, the top-rated candidate is put forward for approval by the Cabinet.

The Saeima appoints the KNAB chief for five years on the Cabinet's recommendation. By law, the committee is chaired by the director of the State Chancellery and includes the Prosecutor General, the director of the Constitution Protection Bureau and the head of the State Security Service. Up to three authorised representatives of the Public Consultative Council may take part in an advisory capacity.