The Prosecutor's Office confirmed to LETA that the case was initiated for intentional activities committed by a public official, abusing the position of the service, if these activities have caused severe consequences.
Such an offense may be subject to deprivation of liberty of up to five years, community service, or financial penalty, and the deprivation of the right to take a certain post for a period of up to five years.
As head of the institution, Muižnieks is the only accused person in the criminal proceedings. No security measures are applied currently.
At the moment, the Prosecutor's Office did not comment in detail on the specific accusations against Muižnieks but confirmed that the case had been initiated following the application of the State Audit Office (VK), as an illegal payment of benefits at LU had been detected. The VK audit found that a total of EUR 19,474 has been unduly paid to two employees of LU.
The case was investigated by the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) before being transferred to the Prosecutor's Office. The Bureau refused to comment.
