Two to stand trial over alleged bribe to Valmiera official
Friday 9th October 2026 on 10:31 in
Latvia
Two people will stand trial over an alleged bribe to a Valmiera municipality official involving a bottle of cognac and €1,000, LSM reported. The company manager is accused of offering the bribe, while another person is accused of helping facilitate it. Prosecutors say the aim was to secure a decision in the company’s favour on leasing premises.
The company, which belongs to the manager, rented premises from the municipality but had to leave by the end of 2025 because renovation work was planned in the building. The manager asked the municipality to lease the company other premises so it could continue operating elsewhere.
In late November 2025, the second accused, knowing of the manager’s intention to offer a bribe, called her and told her that the municipal official was at a cafe in Valmiera. The manager went there and handed the official a shopping bag containing a bottle of cognac worth at least €69.99 and an envelope with €1,000 in cash.
Prosecutors said that no one is considered guilty until their guilt in a criminal offence has been established in accordance with criminal procedure.