Ilmars Rimsevics, the head of Latvia’s central bank, has been detained by the nation’s anti-graft bureau.
According to Baltic News Service (BNS), Rimsevics was interrogated for almost seven hours before he was taken to a different location at about 1:30 am on Sunday. Both Rimsevics’ residence and offices were searched by officers.
Details of the investigation and the raids were withheld. The Bank of Latvia also denied to comment on the on-going investigation, but mentioned that it has a ‘zero tolerance policy in respect of corruption and other illicit activities’.
Prime Minister of Latvia Maris Kucinskis who confirmed that the country’s financial system has not been adversely affected, called an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday. He stated that no official will interfere with the anti-corruption agency’s investigation and has offered complete support. On Sunday, he made an official statement: “The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has applied the status of being detained to the Governor of Bank of Latvia.”
“There are no signs that there is any threat to the Latvian financial system.”
“At the moment, neither I nor other officials have a reason to intervene in KNAB’s work,” Kucinskis added.