Latvian court convicts two former police officials in radar case

A court has found former State Police Main Order Police Department chief Normunds Krapsis guilty of abusing his office and disclosing confidential information in a video radar procurement case, LSM reports. Former police official Andris Locs was also convicted of aiding the abuse of office.

The court fined Krapsis 11,700 euros and Locs 4,680 euros. Prosecutors had sought fines of 19,500 euros for Krapsis and more than 5,000 euros for Locs.

The State Police was recognised as an injured party because the case harmed the institution’s reputation and prestige and violated public procurement procedures.

According to the indictment, Krapsis unlawfully arranged for the State Police to sign a 2018 contract with the company RECK on terms favourable to the company. The technical specifications for the video radars matched one company’s products from the outset, limiting competition. Krapsis was also alleged to have disclosed information to a bidder before the tender was announced.

Both men were barred from holding certain police positions during the criminal proceedings. The restrictions on Locs have been lifted, but those on Krapsis remain. Krapsis retired on a service pension in summer 2021.

Krapsis is also a defendant in a separate case concerning alleged irregularities in a police uniform procurement. That case is still being heard.