EU prosecutors say an organised group, aided by public officials, rigged Latvian EU-funded IT procurements; ex-head of State Digital Development Agency reported among those detained
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The European Public Prosecutor's Office announced on March 18, 2026 that 20 suspects were detained (Latvian police counted 21) in an investigation into at least six ERDF-funded IT procurement projects worth up to EUR 1.5 million. Investigators allege an organised group secretly agreed in advance who would win the tenders, with public officials helping, and shared the illicit profits; evidence was seized including at the State Digital Development Agency. Latvian Television, citing unofficial information, reported that former agency director Jorens Liopa was among those detained. He had been demoted in 2025 over problems in IT processes for the municipal elections and was working at the Nature Conservation Agency. EPPO said some projects could affect elections and democratic processes. All suspects are presumed innocent; police reported 67 searches, EPPO 57.
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- European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) — European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO)Document
20 suspects detained over €1.5 million IT procurement fraud
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