Former state secretary of Smart Administration and Regional Development Ministry faces prosecution for repeated disclosure of restricted information

RIGA - The Corruption Prevention Bureau (KNAB) on Wednesday asked the Prosecution Office for Investigation of Public Office Holders' Misconduct Offenses to initiate criminal proceedings against Edvins Balsevics, former state secretary of the Smart Administration and Regional Development Ministry (VARAM), for three instances of alleged disclosure of restricted information, LETA learned.

Evidence obtained by KNAB indicates that the public official, without any official need, may have repeatedly disclosed restricted information in his possession to other individuals, the anti-corruption bureau informed LETA.

Information obtained during the investigation provides grounds for the assumption that the official, using a messaging app, may have disclosed restricted information, including materials related to legal proceedings, public administration projects, and an investigation conducted by a law enforcement agency.

KNAB sees in the public official’s actions elements of a criminal offense, namely, disclosure of confidential information by a public official responsible for safeguarding such information.

Such a crime is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, probation, community service, or a fine.

LETA reported in June that Smart Administration and Regional Development Minister Edgars Tavars (United List) had decided not to reinstate Balsevics to his position.

Balsevics had been suspended from his position by a decision dated April 9 for the duration of an official investigation.

Taking into account the circumstances and newly discovered facts, Tavars has ordered the internal probe to continue and decided not to reinstate Balsevics.

Balsevics was suspended from his position for the duration of the investigation by then-minister Raimonds Cudars (New Unity) in connection with the possible disclosure of classified information.