KNAB chief Jēkabs Straume to retire before end of term

Jēkabs Straume, head of Latvia’s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau, will retire on a service pension before the end of his term, LSM reports. His last working day will be Saturday, August 1.

Straume has led the bureau since June 15, 2017. He said he had reached the age and length-of-service requirements for a service pension.

From August 2, the duties of KNAB chief will be carried out by Ineta Cīrule, currently the bureau’s deputy chief for investigative matters.

In a statement to the media, Straume said his main task when taking office had been to rebuild the KNAB team and end divisions within it.

“I am pleased that this has been achieved. A professional, united team focused on a common goal has been the foundation for all subsequent achievements,” Straume said.

He added that under his leadership, KNAB had strengthened its role as a strong, professional and internationally recognised anti-corruption institution.