Anti-Corruption Office

The Bureau for Prevention and Fight against Corruption ( KNAB , Latvian for Korupcijas novēršanas un apkarošanas birojs ) is a Latvian anti- corruption agency.

history

In October 2000, under the government of Andris Bērziņš, a working group was set up to develop the framework for an institutionalized fight against corruption in Latvia. In October 2002 the Saeima created the legal basis for the establishment of KNAB, and in February 2003 it was able to start operations.

The office is charged with combating corruption in a comprehensive manner that is coordinated with other authorities. The aim is to proceed in a preventative and educational manner, but also to carry out pre-judicial investigations using investigative means. KNAB is an independent public administration agency under the supervision of the government cabinet. Monitoring is carried out by the Prime Minister , but is limited to checking the legality of the measures taken. KNAB has police powers. The organization has around 140 employees.

activity

By the end of 2008, KNAB had handed over 119 criminal cases against 250 people to the courts. 106 people were convicted of corruption. The convicts included senior state and municipal officials, as well as prosecutors, judges and police officers. The activities of the KNAB led to resignations from politicians and governments.