Rimšēvičs denies bribery charges as appeal court nears verdict

Former Latvijas Banka president Ilmārs Rimšēvičs has denied bribery and money-laundering charges as Latvia’s appeal court prepares to issue its verdict, LSM reported.

The appeal proceedings against Rimšēvičs and businessman Māris Martinsons are nearing completion. Both men were found guilty by the first-instance court.

On Monday, the appeal court began hearing the defendants’ final statements before the verdict. Each defendant was given three hours to speak.

Rimšēvičs said before the hearing that he would use the opportunity to explain his position and challenge the evidence collected by prosecutors. In court, he denied ever accepting a bribe in exchange for favourable treatment of a bank, consultations or interference with official decisions.

Rimšēvičs said he had paid for the trip to Kamchatka himself. He also denied using his official position or information available to him to provide assistance in exchange for payment.

He further denied investing any money, openly or secretly, in property at 2 Baznīcas Street in Jūrmala. He said he had never owned the property or the company MM.

Rimšēvičs is charged with accepting a bribe in the form of a paid holiday trip to Kamchatka and money, as well as laundering criminally acquired funds.

The case began after two representatives of Trasta Komercbanka, a bank, filed complaints. They are listed in the case as the bribe-givers but were exempted from criminal liability after voluntarily contacting law-enforcement authorities.

The first-instance court also found Martinsons guilty of bribery and laundering criminally acquired funds. He denied guilt and said he considered the case fabricated.

The verdict in the appeal case is expected soon.