Money laundering and terrorist bill approved by Latvian parliament

2008-07-18
Monika Hanley

RIGA's The Latvian parliament on July 17 passed the money laundering and terrorist law today, after a few changes were made.

According to LETA news agency, the parliament approved a stipulation which states that criminal proceeds also include money that a person received, directly or indirectly, as a result of a criminal offense. They also approved the change to the bill's section regarding the Control Service, stating that they may not disclose information if it damages Latvia's independence, security, public order or national interest.

President Valdis Zatlers returned the law against money laundering and terrorist financing to the parliament for another look.

President Zatlers as well as experts have sharply criticized the law 's saying that the law had been passed too quickly and was low quality.

President Zatlers also added that the law has been long-awaited by Latvia's international partners, but not written in such low quality.

A total of 90 parliament members voted in support of the bill.