Anti-corruption bureau opens two criminal cases over alleged irregularities in Olaine municipality

Latvia's Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has launched two criminal proceedings into alleged irregularities in the Olaine municipality. Several local officials are involved, among them council chairman Andris Bergs (LSDSP, the Latvian Social Democratic Workers' Party). KNAB confirmed information held by the news agency LETA that searches and other procedural actions took place in the Olaine area, including at the municipality, in the first half of November.

First case

One criminal case was opened on 13 October over suspected abuse of official position for personal gain. During the investigation it was additionally classified as fraud committed by a group of persons by prior agreement. In this case the bureau is examining the alleged unlawful use of budget funds at AS "Olaines ūdens un siltums", a company owned by the municipality.

Four people involved currently have the right to a defence: an official and an employee of the company, a board member of another company, and a private individual.

Second case

The second case was opened on 29 September over suspected abuse of official position for personal gain and incitement to commit such an offence. KNAB is investigating several alleged episodes in which the Olaine council chairman may have misused his position to obtain undue advantages for himself and others.

Five people in this case have the right to a defence: three Olaine municipal officials, one employee and one entrepreneur. The bureau gave no further details.

Company data

According to Firmas.lv, "Olaines ūdens un siltums" had a turnover of 10.46 million euros in 2025 and a profit of 524,783 euros. It was registered in 1994, has share capital of 13.988 million euros, and its sole owner is the Olaine municipality.