KNAB deputy chief Jānis Roze advances to final round of agency head contest

The selection committee for the post of head of Latvia's Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has decided to send deputy chief for operational matters Jānis Roze to the second and final round, according to information obtained by the LETA news agency. Renārs Reiniks, head of the bureau's Operational Activities Department, was not advanced. The State Chancellery announced this week that two of nine applicants moved forward. The contest was launched after former chief Jēkabs Straume unexpectedly retired early on a long-service pension in early August, without giving an explanation.

The candidates

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

Reiniks began working at KNAB around 2006 and previously served in the State Police. Neither official commented to LETA on how their further participation in the contest stands.

How the selection works

In the first round the committee reviewed submitted documents and whether applicants met the mandatory requirements. In the second round it will assess qualifications, experience and knowledge in more depth, and hear candidates' views on KNAB's priorities, its development and improving anti-corruption measures in Latvia.

The candidate with the highest score will be put forward for approval by the Cabinet of Ministers. The head of KNAB is appointed by the Saeima, the parliament, for five years, on the Cabinet's recommendation.

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.

Straume first took office in June 2017 and was re-elected in 2022 for another five-year term. Deputy chief Ineta Cīrule, who did not apply for the post, is currently acting head.