KNAB launches inspection into Sigulda municipality's car compensation agreements

The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has launched an official inspection concerning personal vehicle loan agreements concluded between the Sigulda Municipality and its chairman Linards Kumskis (LZS) and deputy chair Ance Kaimiņa (NA, LRA, VP, JKP), as well as compensations paid to them. KNAB's Communication Department confirmed to LETA that the bureau has requested information from the municipality but will not provide further comments while the inspection is ongoing.

The inspection was triggered by members of the Sigulda Novada Party (opposition), who asked the municipality to verify whether such agreements and compensations exist. The municipality responded that between July 2021 and May 2026, a total of €9,902 was paid in fuel and amortization compensations for the chairman and deputy. The opposition notes that this occurred while political leadership already receives significant salaries, and the budget lacks funds for residents' needs and employee wage increases.

Opposition politicians question why personal vehicles were used when the municipality has official cars and a reservation system. Previous mayors did not have such agreements.

Last year, Kumskis's salary at the council increased by 27% to €74,725, according to his state official declaration. His total income reached €76,123. He also declared debts of €54,639 at the end of 2025. His assets include an apartment in Sigulda, a 2017 Volvo V60, a 2004 Volvo S60, and small shareholdings in Apple Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Canadian Solar Inc.