Straume has been performing the duties of the head of KNAB since 2017, but a new competition for the post had to be nominated by law, because his term of office expires in the middle of June this year.
Prior to working at KNAB, Straume worked in the Military Intelligence and Security Service, as well as in the State Police in the field of combating corruption. He has a master's degree and is a qualified lawyer.
Having already won the competition for his job (there were only two applicants) and been nominated by the cabinet, Straume required the backing of Saeima to carry on his work by 72 votes to 16.
KNAB was established in October 2002 and has had a stormy history. It is an independent public administration institution under the supervision of the Cabinet of Ministers. KNAB is also a pre-trial investigatory body and has traditional police powers.
