The former Latvian minister has been released, but he denies reports of his detention
Former Minister of Agriculture Armands Krauze has stated that reports of his alleged arrest are “complete nonsense.” Earlier reports claimed that the politician had been arrested on Thursday morning, but Krauze himself categorically denies this. The events are taking place in Latvia
This is reported by the Delfi portal.
The politician’s statement contradicts the information about the detention officially provided by the prosecutor’s office.
Shortly before the statement, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) released Krauze, eyewitnesses told the LETA news agency.
The prosecutor’s office confirmed that Raivis Kronbergs, the currently suspended director of the State Chancellery who was detained along with Krauze, has not yet been released.
“This is ‘fake’ news, absolute nonsense. I was not detained. I am cooperating with the relevant authorities because they responded to my statement, which I submitted to the Prosecutor General’s Office, and a criminal case has been opened,” Krauze said.
He believes that Prime Minister Evika Silina, who has resigned, acted very improperly by acting on rumors and removing him from office. "That is why many things in the country are in a critical state, because we had a prime minister who did not take facts into account but acted on rumors heard on the street," Krause said.
Meanwhile, Krauze told LETA that during the proceedings, law enforcement officials seized his computer and phone, and he also handed over various documents to the prosecutor’s office. He explained that he participated in the proceedings that morning, during which he provided his data.
He promises that he will continue to work and fulfill his duties as a member of the Seimas.
It was previously reported that the Prosecutor General’s Office is conducting a criminal investigation into possible crimes related to abuse of office and dereliction of duty in connection with the provision of illegal support to wood processing companies.
The prosecutor’s office reported that, as part of the criminal proceedings, procedural actions were carried out, including searches of the residences and workplaces of several individuals, including Krauze and Kronbergs.
Given the scope of the procedural actions taken, KNAB was also involved in their execution.
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