Alexander Samoilov, the Director of the Sports Department of the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES), has come under scrutiny following the publication of an advertisement for a distance learning school on his personal social media accounts. In a conversation with the LETA agency, Samoilov clarified that he did not receive payment for participating in the advertising campaign. According to him, he appeared in the advertisement not as a government official, but as a professional athlete, continuing to compete for a sports club in his free time from work at the ministry. He also stated that his sporting activities are officially approved by the MoES, and the state secretary granted permission for him to hold multiple positions. He claims that the contract with the educational institution was concluded by the sports club, not by him personally. The official noted that similar situations have already been subject to investigation. He mentioned that the Bureau for Prevention and Combating Corruption (KNAB) previously examined his participation in advertising projects as an athlete and found no violations of the law on preventing conflicts of interest at that time. As of now, the Ministry of Education and Science has not expressed its position on the new situation. At the time of publication, the agency could not be reached for comment. This is not the first instance for Samoilov where his advertising activities have sparked public discussion. In the spring of 2025, his participation in an advertisement for a tire manufacturer drew attention. At that time, the ministry stated that it did not object to employees participating in advertising projects during their free time, provided that it does not contradict legislation and professional ethics. The agency emphasized that the main criterion remains the conscientious performance of official duties. After his appointment as head of the Sports Department, Samoilov was also criticized for collaborating with a brand associated with gambling. Later, he announced that he had ceased working with several sponsors, including a sports betting brand, and promised to end collaborations with other commercial partners after the Latvian Beach Volleyball Championship. Alexander Samoilov became the head of the MoES Sports Department in the summer of 2024, winning an open competition. Before transitioning to public service, he represented Latvia at the Olympic Games three times and was repeatedly a medalist at European Championships and World Cup stages in beach volleyball.
