Ex-board member of LVC state road management company released from detention

RIGA - The Corruption Prevention Bureau (KNAB) this morning released Edgars Strods, a former board member of Latvijas Valsts Celi (LVC) state road management company, and businessman Armands Zeihmanis from a police detention facility, LETA learned. 

Without naming the persons in question, KNAB representatives told LETA that both persons have been released from the short-term detention facility and that they have been banned from leaving the country and approach certain persons as a measure of security. 

In the criminal proceedings launched against the two persons, the public official is suspected of abuse of office powers, avoiding to submit the asset declaration and money laundering. 

The private individual, meanwhile, is suspected of aiding and abetting abuse of office powers.

Since the pre-trial investigation is still ongoing, KNAB is not providing more detailed information about the case to protect the integrity of the investigation. 

As reported, KNAB detained Strods and Zeihmanis on Tuesday and also searched Strods' office.

LVC, established in 2004, belongs to the Latvian state. According to the LVC report, the company manages 20,081 kilometers of state roads, handles the state road network's financing, manages and controls related works, organizes tenders for public contracts, as well as manages and supervises road construction programs. 

Strods has been the company's board member since 2013. He was removed from the company's board after his detention on Tuesday.