Kekava vice chairman Vitols denies bribery accusations

RIGA - Kekava Regional Council Deputy Mayor Aigars Vitols (Latvian Farmers' Union) has denied the accusations of bribery against him, but will step down down as deputy mayor as the investigation into his activities continue.

In a special press briefing today, Vitols did not reply to questions from journalists what his security measure is at the moment, as well as who is representing him in the case and who the other suspect is. He said that he cannot disclose this information.

Meanwhile, he went on the deny the accusations against him. ''Unfortunately I cannot speak about this, but I can confirm that I have met with the Corruption Prevention Bureau (KNAB). I have since been allowed to return home. I want this to be handled as quickly as possible, but in the meantime I intend to take the necessary responsibility and step down from my post as the investigation process continues,'' he said.

As reported, the KNAB on Friday detained a Kekava Regional Council official, as well as another individual, for possible bribery in connection with construction activities, LETA was informed by the KNAB.

According to unofficial information detained by LETA, the detained official is former Latvian national team basketball player and deputy mayor Aigars Vitols.

The KNAB informs that the criminal process was launched on August 12 for demanding a large-scale bribe.

According to the criminal case, a Kekava Regional Council official had demanded a EUR 30,000 bribe so that an entrepreneur would receive a final payment from the Kekava Regional Council for the completion of construction works as part of a municipal project.

Two persons have been detained.

The KNAB is not releasing any additional information at the moment in the interests of the investigation.

Vitols has been working at the Kekava Regional Council since 2013.