Whistleblowing is an important step for everyone - KNAB chief

RIGA - It is important for every member of society to understand how whistleblowing is in fact an important step for everyone, the chief of the Corruption Prevention Bureau (KNAB) Jekabs Straume said today at an event on whistleblowing organized in cooperation with the State Chancellery.

He stressed that whistleblowing is not only about public administration, corruption or conflict of interest issues. "It applies to any member of society in any part of society," Straume said, calling on people to be whistleblowers if such a situation arises.

Straume said that whistleblowing is one of the cornerstones in the fight against corruption. It also helps the work of the KNAB.

He confirmed that KNAB is ready to become the main control point for whistleblowers next year. Straume stressed that the transfer of the control point from the State Chancellery to the KNAB sends a clear signal to unscrupulous persons that wrongdoing will not be tolerated and ignored. "This step demonstrates our commitment to continue to create an environment where honesty and accountability are the standard, not the exception," said Straume.

More than six years ago, whistleblowing mechanisms were introduced and regulated in Latvia, significantly improving the public's ability to safely report wrongdoing, misconduct or other conduct in the working environment that may harm the public interest.

Whistleblowing mechanisms have a number of important benefits, including the prevention of potential risks to the public, the protection of employees against possible adverse consequences, and the promotion of openness and integrity in organizations.

Since May 1, 2019, the State Chancellery has been responsible for coordinating whistleblowing issues in Latvia, but next year KNAB is expected to become the contact point for whistleblowers. This transition will bring a number of important advantages, such as whistleblowers' reports will now be handled by an institution with an independent institutional status and broader powers to detect illegalities.