Selection panel backs Jānis Roze to lead anti-corruption bureau

The selection commission for Latvia’s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has recommended deputy chief Jānis Roze for the top post, LSM reported. The commission will put his candidacy to Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs of the United List.

The government and parliament, the Saeima, must still approve Roze’s appointment. The Saeima appoints the KNAB chief for a five-year term on the government’s recommendation.

Roze is currently the bureau’s deputy chief for operational activities. He became head of KNAB’s Internal Security Department in 2014, and in the summer of 2016 was appointed deputy chief responsible for combating corruption. Before joining KNAB, he worked at the former Security Police, now the State Security Service, and at the State Police.

Nine candidates applied for the post, and two advanced to the final round. The commission assessed candidates’ qualifications, experience and knowledge, and heard their views on KNAB’s priorities, development and improvements to anti-corruption measures in Latvia. The commission did not advance Renārs Reiniks, head of KNAB’s Operational Activities Department, to the final round.

KNAB chief Jēkabs Straume announced in late July that he would retire on a service pension before his term ended.