LTV reports detention of Kulbergs adviser in EU funds probe

Latvian law enforcement authorities have detained Mārtiņš Brencis, an adviser to Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs and a newly elected member of parliament, in a criminal investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), LTV reported, citing unofficial information.

Brencis did not report to work on Wednesday, and the prime minister’s office said it did not know where he was. His phone was switched off. Kulbergs learned of the detention on Wednesday morning and said he believed it could be connected to Brencis’s previous work, LTV reported. Brencis has been suspended from his duties as the prime minister’s adviser.

The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) confirmed to the LETA news agency that it was carrying out investigative actions on Wednesday in a criminal case opened by the EPPO. The EPPO launched the case on February 11, following information from KNAB. It concerns offences affecting the financial interests of the European Union.

Brencis joined the prime minister’s office on June 1. He has held senior roles in public administration, including heading the Central Finance and Contracting Agency and the Finance Ministry’s department for EU funds. He is also a member of the council of the University of Latvia.