Normunds Orleāns, former office head at New Unity, has stated that off-the-books salaries were paid to him and at least ten other party office employees. According to Orleāns, the practice began around 2017, when the party was in financial straits. Unity has called this a lie and excluded Orleāns from the party.
Orleāns had also notified KNAB and other authorities of this. KNAB's investigation has been going on for several months. Agita Antonāne, Chief Inspector of the KNAB on Communication, said – about three months. Despite this, it is too early to predict the completion of the checks.
When asked if there had been any procedural actions in any offices, Antonāne said she understood the public interest in the inspection, however, no further information could be disclosed in relation to it.
Former office worker Normunds Orleāns' submission on envelope wages in the party was also received by the State Revenue Service (VID) last December, VID Director General Baiba Šmite-Roķe said. The application was addressed to five institutions, mainly KNAB. The VID therefore plays a supportive role in the inspection of the party.
The service compares and analyzes the number of hours employees work at the party office and what could be an excuse for the small pay.
"We will provide information to KNAB if we see any deviations from information at the disposal of the VID,” explained Šmite-Roķe.
Meanwhile, Unity has excluded whistleblower Orleāns, who reported alleged envelope salaries to authorities, from the party. His exclusion from the party is justified by making false statements and defaming the party.
