In 2022, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) initiated 32 criminal proceedings and referred 18 criminal proceedings to prosecution offices, thereby initiating prosecution against 31 natural persons and six legal entities. This is the highest number of legal entities referred for prosecution, which highlights a negative trend – the number of legal entities benefiting from bribery of national and foreign public officials is gradually increasing each year.
In 2022, court decisions were taken on 23 of the criminal proceedings that KNAB referred for prosecution last year or in other years, with 13 persons sentenced to suspended deprivation of liberty. One person was given an actual imprisonment. This is the highest number of criminal cases that have been adjudicated in at least the last three years.
Of the 32 criminal proceedings initiated by the KNAB in 2022, most were related to accepting bribes and money laundering. The most frequently investigated criminal offence (18 proceedings referred to the prosecution office) was using official position in bad faith and giving of bribes.
KNAB also dealt with administrative offence cases in 2022. KNAB adopted 260 decisions in administrative offence cases for violating the restrictions, prohibitions and obligations laid down in the Law On Prevention of Conflict of Interest in the Activities of Public Officials. Half of the offences were related to unlawful acts by public officials with financial resources and property of a public person. KNAB imposed fines on 202 public officials totalling EUR 36 595. To compensate the State for damages, KNAB requested EUR 27 151.09 from public officials.
In 2022, KNAB adopted 99 decisions in administrative offence cases related to violations of the provisions laid down by the Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties) and the Pre-election Campaign Law. KNAB established unlawful conduct in the activities of political parties and other legal and natural persons in 60 cases and imposed fines totalling EUR 25 120. KNAB also adopted 25 decisions to reimburse a total of EUR 220 1259.28 to the State budget.
In 2022, KNAB trained more than 8 300 public officials and representatives of other groups of society to enhance their knowledge on anti-corruption issues, including conflict of interest prevention and ethics. Education is one of the most effective ways for institutions to reduce or even eliminate the risk of corruption and conflict of interest.