KNAB fines five local officials for conflict-of-interest breaches

Latvia’s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has fined five local government representatives this year for conflict-of-interest violations, including three from municipalities in Latgale, LSM reported. The fines range from 80 to 500 euros.

Rēzekne Municipality council member Gunārs Smeilis of the Union of Greens and Farmers was fined 500 euros for taking part in council decisions on matters affecting the financial interests of his business partner.

Riga City Council member Deniss Kļukins of Latvia First was fined 80 euros for voting on his own appointment to a municipal institution, thereby exercising his official powers in a conflict-of-interest situation.

Līvāni Municipality council member Andrejs Bondarevs of Harmony was fined 140 euros for combining his public official role with a prohibited position in the municipality’s Central Administration and earning income from it.

Balvi Municipality council member Tālis Korlašs of For Latvia’s Development was fined 300 euros after a company in which he is a shareholder and beneficial owner received municipal funding that had not been awarded through an open competition.

Gulbene Municipality council chair Normunds Mazūrs of For Latvia’s Development was fined 210 euros for holding prohibited positions in commercial companies while serving as a public official and earning income from them.