Progressives ask anti-corruption bureau to review PM's freelance adviser Dejus over "golden visa" dealings

The Saeima faction of the Progressives party sent a letter on Wednesday, 21 October, to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) and the Prosecutor General's Office in Latvia. It asks them to assess the conduct of Didzis Dejus, the prime minister's freelance advisory staff member, over a possible conflict of interest, abuse of office and unethical behaviour. The matter concerns so-called "golden visas", the residence permits that foreigners can request in return for an investment of a set minimum size.

What the faction says

According to the letter, Dejus owns a consulting company in which eight new foreign shareholders were recently registered. Each invested the minimum amount that entitles a person to request a temporary residence permit in Latvia, raising the company's share capital by a total of 400,000 euros. Several of the investors have already been granted residence permits on that basis.

The faction recalls that Dejus represented the prime minister both in the Saeima and in the media while trying to widen the golden visa rules and the rights they provide. It says there is a suspicion that he may have used his position to obtain personal material gain and increase his company's assets. The faction therefore sees a risk of a conflict of interest, influence peddling and unethical conduct, in breach of Cabinet regulations that bar a freelance employee from receiving remuneration or acting in personal interests.

What is being requested

The faction asks the authorities to review Dejus's actions, and also whether the regulatory provision was observed that requires the official to be informed in writing without delay about a freelance employee's conduct in a conflict-of-interest situation, and the task to be stopped. It also asks them to consider holding those responsible accountable if violations of legal norms are found.