Ex-Ministry state secretary Balševics may face criminal prosecution over leaked restricted information

Latvia's Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) on Wednesday asked the Prosecutor's Office for the Investigation of Crimes Committed by State Institution Officials to open criminal proceedings against Edvīns Balševics, former state secretary of the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM). The request concerns three suspected instances in which he disclosed restricted-access information without official need.

What KNAB found

According to evidence gathered by the bureau, Balševics allegedly used a messaging app to repeatedly share restricted information he had access to with other individuals on multiple occasions. Among the materials reportedly disclosed were documents related to court proceedings, state administration projects, and a check carried out by a law enforcement authority.

KNAB believes these actions show signs of a criminal offence under the Criminal Law — disclosure of confidential information by a state official responsible for safeguarding it. Such an offence carries penalties of up to one year's imprisonment, probationary supervision, community service, or a fine.

Background

Balševics was suspended from the state secretary post by a decision dated April 9, 2025, for the duration of an internal service inspection. The suspension was ordered by the then-minister Raimonds Čudars (Progressives), based on suspicions of disclosing confidential information. After receiving information from KNAB about the opened criminal case, Čudars ordered the formation of a service inspection commission.

In June, it emerged that the current minister, Edgars Tavars (United List), decided not to reinstate Balševics. Citing the circumstances established so far and newly uncovered facts, Tavars instructed that the service inspection continue and decided against reinstating him.