KNAB operational chief enters race to lead anti-corruption bureau

LSM reported, citing the LETA news agency, that Renārs Reiniks, head of the Operational Activities Division at Latvia’s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB), has applied to become the bureau’s next chief. Ineta Cīrule, the acting chief and deputy responsible for investigative matters, has not applied.

Cīrule had previously said she might enter the competition, which was announced after former KNAB chief Jēkabs Straume unexpectedly retired on a service pension without explanation before his term ended.

Amīlija Raituma, head of the Investigations Division for Violations by Political Organisations; Ieva Otomere, head of the Legal Division; and KNAB deputy chief Jānis Roze did not comment on whether they had applied. Raituma and Otomere previously entered a competition for the KNAB chief’s post several years ago but were unsuccessful.

Publicly available information shows that Reiniks previously worked for the State Police and began working at KNAB around 2006.

The competition announced by the Cabinet closes on Friday, September 18. A commission led by the director of the State Chancellery is conducting the selection. It includes the prosecutor general, the director of the Constitution Protection Bureau and the head of the State Security Service. Up to three authorised representatives of KNAB’s Public Consultative Council may participate in an advisory capacity.

At the end of the competition, the applicant or applicants receiving the most points will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. The Saeima will then appoint the KNAB chief for a five-year term on the Cabinet’s recommendation. Cīrule is currently serving as acting KNAB chief.