Business, Crime, Financial Services, Jurmala, Latvia, Legislation

In the interests of the investigation, the CPB is not releasing any additional information at the moment.

As reported, the CPB yesterday detained Jurmala Mayor Gatis Truksnis (Greens/Farmers) and millionaire Julijs Krumins on suspicion of party financing violations.

Millionaire Julijs Krumins, who was detained by the Corruption Prevention Bureau (CPB) on Tuesday in connection with the detention of Jurmala Mayor Gatis Truksnis

(Greens/Farmers), donated a total of EUR 15,000 to the Union of Greens and Farmers party two years ago. The millionaire's daughter Maija Cernavska also donated EUR 15,000 to the Union of Greens and Farmers, in 2014.

According to the Criminal Law on illegal party financing, if convicted, persons could be sentenced to up to two years in jail, community service and/or be issued fines.

Aija Ornina, the chairwoman of the Riga City Kurzeme District Court, has been suspended, according to the information obtained by LETA. Unofficial sources have suggested that Ornina's suspension may be related to the latest operation by the Corruption Prevention Bureau (CPB) which recently detained Jurmala Mayor Gatis Truksnis (Greens/Farmers), Latvian millionaire Julijs Krumins and two other persons.

As the judged explained in a conversation with LETA, she has been suspended from the position, but no other restrictions have been imposed on her. She has already given testimony to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB).

Asked whether the procedure is related with the criminal case on the possible illegal large-scale political party financing, involving Jurmala Mayor Gatis Truksnis (Greens/Farmers) and Latvian millionaire Julijs Krumins, Ornina gave a negative answer, but said that the criminal case against her is still related with Krumins. Ornina reportedly has been accused of publishing confident information and accepting offers from Krumins.

The court confirmed to LETA that Ornina had been suspended but the court chairperson's aide said she could not confirm whether the CPB officials had come to the court earlier this week.

Ornina was appointed as the chairwoman of the Riga City Kurzeme District Court in 2008. She heard the bribery case against former Jurmala Mayor Raimonds Munkevics.