Saeima Rejects EDUS System After IT Procurement Review

On Thursday, Saeima Speaker Daiga Mieriņa (ZZS) stated on Latvian Television's program "Today's Question" that the parliament, after reviewing its information technology (IT) procurements, has refused the EDUS module managed by SIA "Corporate Solutions". This company is involved in an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) into IT fraud.

Mieriņa emphasized that all institutions, including state-owned enterprises, should evaluate their IT procurements and, for security reasons, cease further cooperation with such companies. She noted that these entrepreneurs offer their services through the Electronic Procurement System.

The EDUS system is a unified internal information platform for organizations, featuring regulations, news, employee contact lists, forums, document storage, task management, contact management, and meeting scheduling.

Previously reported, the State Police detained 21 people, including state officials, in an EPPO criminal case for fraud in IT procurements worth 1.5 million euros. Detention was imposed on suspended procurement specialist Ainars Biders, former director of the State Digital Development Agency Jorens Liops, and Aigars Ceruss, owner of the "Corporate Solutions" group, who was later released.

The criminal case, initiated last year, involves large-scale fraud by an organized group and money laundering. The investigation revealed that an organized group made illegal agreements to predetermine winners in at least six projects funded by the European Regional Development Fund, totaling up to 1.5 million euros. Suspicions suggest contracts were secured with the help of state officials, and illegal profits were distributed among participants.

EPPO stated that some projects could pose potential national security risks, affecting elections and democratic procedures. Similar concerns were voiced by President Edgars Rinkēvičs.