Energy, Latvia, Legislation

Uldis Bariss.

Latvenergo group's head Karlis Mikelsons and his deputy Aigars Melko were removed from their respective posts, informs LETA.

On the other hand, Arnis Kurgs and Arnis Daugulis will continue as Latvenergo board members.

In an interview with Dienas Bizness previously, Puce said that Bariss would remain chairman of Latvenergo board temporarily, until a new board is elected for the company.

Puce did not rule out that Mikelsons and Melko could return to work at Latvenergo if they are cleared of charges. "However, it has to be understood that this will not happen in the coming months," said Puce.

As LETA reported earlier, the Corruption Prevention Bureau announced last Thursday that in the case against executives at Latvenergo power utility, EUR 1.13 million were laundered, and an eighth person has been arrested in this regard. The Corruption Prevention Bureau believes that avarice and material gain prompted the officials to use their positions in bad faith and operate counter to the company's interests. They secured favorable decisions for certain private enterprises in connection with public purchase and reconstruction projects.

Five Latvenergo group executives have been arrested in the case: Mikelsons, Melko, Sadales tikls board chairman Ivars Liuziniks and his deputy Andrejs Stalazs, as well as Sadales tikls technical director for the eastern region, Edgars Vitkovskis. Also arrested were Buvenergoserviss Ltd. sole owner and CEO Mihails Paladijs, and the company's former board member Andrejs Livanovics, also owner of Energy Consulting Ltd..