Former official at Rīga Central Market faces prosecution for bribery

Take note – story published 4 years ago

The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has requested the Rīga District Prosecutor's Office to begin prosecution against former Rīga Central Market official Vitālijs Ļitvins for bribe taking and attempted bribe taking.

Without mentioning the person's identity, the KNAB confirmed that it is requesting criminal prosecution to be launched against a former Riga Central Market official for three counts of bribe taking and three counts of attempted bribe taking.

At the same time, the KNAB has also requested another two persons to be prosecuted for several counts of bribe taking, attempted bribe taking, and supporting acts of bribery.

According to LTV the official in question is Ļitvins. Earlier this year, LTV reported that unlawful activities had been going on in Rīga Central Market’s night-time market and had to do with the lease of commercial space.

One of the persons involved in the illegal activities was the market’s planning coordinator Vitālijs Ļitvins who recently ran for a seat on the Jelgava City Council on Harmony party’s ticket.

Ļitvins explained to LTV at the time that letting out commercial space two or three times is a normal practice described in the market’s regulatory and bookkeeping documents but that law enforcement authorities just do not see how this can be legal.

As usual, the KNAB announcement was accompanied by a colorful infographic which maybe suggests that vendors had to give bribes in exchange for jumping the queue for a spot at the market. But it also may be something else entirely.

Seen a mistake?

Select text and press Ctrl+Enter to send a suggested correction to the editor

Select text and press Report a mistake to send a suggested correction to the editor

Related articles

More

Most important