Banks, Financial Services, Latvia, Legislation

Ints Kuzis.

The Security Police have already launched a probe into the matter, added Kuzis, reports LETA.

"This is not the first time we investigate such matters. Of course, it takes more time, but there have been successful investigations in the past where the perpetrators were eventually held responsible," said Kuzis.

Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis (Zatlers' Reform Party) does not rule out the possibility that Swedbank bankruptcy rumors may have been caused by a technical error which quickly multiplied in the current circumstances.

Kozlovskis emphasized on the LNT morning show "900 sekundes" today that this, however, is not an excuse for spreading such rumors further. The minister believes that it is still unclear whether a criminal process should be launched.

"I trust the Security Police. We will inform the public when there are any results to be reported," said Kozlovskis.

As reported, due to Sunday's rumors of Swedbank financial crisis, dozens of people gathered at the bank's ATM to withdraw their cash in the country's regions and later also in Riga. In the beginning, the longest lines were at Swedbank ATMs; when those were emptied, people rushed to other bank's ATMs.