(Luxembourg, 28 October 2026) – Today, at the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Riga (Latvia), the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) have carried out searches and other measures in an investigation into suspected procurement fraud and abuse of office involving public officials of the Alūksne Municipality.
According to the investigation, municipal officials, together with representatives of companies operating in the city, may have engaged in illegal activities to obtain over €1.4 million from the European Regional Development Fund for a project implemented by the municipality – thus damaging the financial interests of both the Latvian State and the European Union.
The project aimed to construct three production facilities in the municipality for rental to companies. In accordance with the project implementation terms, the companies intended to occupy the facilities were to be selected through a rental auction conducted on an open, transparent and non-discriminatory basis.
However, the evidence indicates that the suspects misled the responsible authorities and built the facilities for the benefit of preselected operators, in breach of the project implementation terms.
Law enforcement officers seized documents and cash. In addition, ammunition was found and seized.
The investigation is ongoing. No further details will be made public at this stage.
All persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the competent Latvian courts of law.
The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. Its competence comprises investigating, prosecuting criminal offences and bringing to judgment the perpetrators of offences against the EU financial interests.
- Publication date
- 28 October 2026
- Author
- European Public Prosecutor’s Office