Russian money today has much less impact on corruption in Latvia - Straume

RIGA - Compared to the past, Russian money today has much less impact on corruption in Latvia, the Corruption Prevention Bureau's head Jekabs Straume said in an interview with Latvian Radio on Thursday.

Asked how much influence Russian money has on corruption in Latvia, Straume said that, historically, it certainly played a role, especially in the banking sector. "But now I believe it has much, much less impact because the borders are closed and any financial transactions are strictly monitored," Straume emphasized.

At the same time, the Corruption Prevention Bureau's chief reminded that earlier this year the bureau had launched a criminal case against two persons, currently in custody, for preparing to give a EUR 100,000 bribe to an Interior Ministry official on behalf of a Russian citizen blacklisted in Latvia.