Kulbergs unaware that 'Ievas siers' producer convicted of EU fraud
PM Andris Kulbergs learned on a TV show that cheese producer whose product he jokingly called his 'first bribe' has been convicted of EU fund fraud and stripped of a state award. He said he would take note.
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (AS) showed a cheese wheel from 'Ievas siers' in a video diary on June 10, calling it his 'first bribe' as prime minister. He joked about contacting the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB), but later told the program 'Viens pret vienu' that the bureau had already visited and the cheese was in the Cabinet fridge.
Host Gundars Rēders asked Kulbergs if he knew that the cheese's producer, Juris Sprukulis, had been convicted of defrauding European Union funds and stripped of the Cross of Recognition award. Kulbergs said he was hearing this for the first time and acknowledged that the video now carries a different meaning.
The prime minister stated that it's impossible to catch every such detail but promised to take note. He emphasized his commitment to promoting Latvian products and entrepreneurs, even if he occasionally makes mistakes.
According to Latvian Public Media (LSM), the Order Chapter decided six months ago to revoke Sprukulis's Cross of Recognition. Sprukulis, head of the farm 'Vecsiljāņi' and creator of 'Ievas siers,' was convicted in a case initiated by the European Public Prosecutor's Office for EU fund fraud. The final ruling took effect on September 12, 2025. He was ordered to pay a fine of 75,480 euros, and his company SIA 'Vecsiljāņi' must reimburse 425,500 euros. The fraud involved two agricultural development projects in 2019–2020 and 2022–2023, administered by the Rural Support Service.
