Other events in Baltic States

The perception has emerged that corruption within the Riga City Council is systematic, deputy chief at the Corruption Prevention Bureau (CPB) Juta Strike pointed out in an interview to Latvian Radio 1 this morning.

As reported, last week, CPB detained the former head of the Riga City Council's Development Department Vilnis Strams, who is being held on suspicion of being a go-between for a EUR 65,000 (LVL 45,700) bribe.

Also arrested last week was Riga City Council City Development Department Administration Director Raimonds Janita, who was also detained on suspicion of being a go-between for a EUR 65,000 (LVL 45,700) bribe to a Riga City Council official.

In the interview, Strike invited businesspeople not to accept the current corruption situation and report corruption violations. The CBP guarantees anonymity and witness protection.

The CPB representative emphasized that, at the moment, businesspeople are not brave enough to change anything to battle corruption. Informally it has been admitted that corruption occurs often in Latvia, however, only a few reports of corruption reach the CPB.

Strike accented that, in order for things to change, businesspeople must do their part. Furthermore, corruption is a serious crime.

The CBP deputy chief hopes that Riga City Council officials will show political will to fight corruption within the city council.