On 17 October 2008 the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) as part of initiated criminal proceedings has detained a prosecutor of the Jurmala city for extorting a bribe. In cooperation with the Prosecutor General Office, KNAB also conducted the emergency procedural activities.
The bribe was given to the public official using an intermediary, a private person who was also detained as part of the criminal proceedings.
The investigation revealed that a bribe in the amount of 25 000 LVL was extorted so that the prosecutor secures a decision within criminal proceedings related to alleged offence against person’s health, which would be advantageous to a certain person.
On 17 October 2008 KNAB detained the prosecutor after part of the requested bribe – 15 000 LVL – was received. In accordance with the Criminal Procedure Law, the Prosecutor General was informed.
Investigator of KNAB has recognised the prosecutor as a suspect for committing an especially serious crime – taking of bribes involving extortion (part 3 of Section 320 of the Criminal Law), and the intermediary – for intermediation in bribery (part 1 of Section 322 of the Crimianl Law).
With a court decision on 19 October for both persons arrest was applied as a security measure.
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Section 320. Accepting Bribes
(3) For a person who commits the acts provided for in Paragraphs one and two of this Section, if they are associated with extortion of a bribe, or if commission thereof is by a group of persons pursuant to prior agreement, or by a State official holding a responsible position,
the applicable sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term of not less than eight and not exceeding fifteen years, with confiscation of property.
Section 322. Intermediation in Bribery
(1) For a person who commits intermediation in bribery, that is, of acts manifested in the providing of a bribe received from the giver of the bribe to a person accepting the bribe, or the bringing together of these persons,
the applicable sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term not exceeding six years.