Foto: BB.LV / Мартиньш Бренцис
According to the LETA agency, on October 28, Brencis told journalists about the investigative actions carried out in the morning at his apartment and car. According to the politician, law enforcement officers arrived at his home and conducted a search for about two hours. They seized several electronic devices and documents, after which they checked the car. Brencis was then taken to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB), where he answered questions from the prosecutor and investigator for about an hour. ## "I told everything I knew" As Brencis explained, the investigators' questions concerned a project implemented by the Alūksne municipality under the supervision of the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFLA). > "During the hour-long conversation, I provided all the information I had. There were specific questions about a specific project. Everything I could tell, I told, and I hope that those guilty and responsible will be held accountable according to the law," the politician stated. He emphasized that no charges were brought against him and he did not receive the status of a suspect. According to Brencis, his procedural status is that of a person against whom a criminal process has been initiated and who has the right to defense. No preventive measures were applied to him either. After the investigative actions were completed, the politician was able to return home. ## "My hands are clean" Brencis claims that the events under investigation are related to a project that was carried out about four years ago. According to him, the case has no relation to his family, his work in the Prime Minister's office, or his activities in the council of the University of Latvia. > "My hands are clean. I am trying to help the investigation," he emphasized. The politician also stated that he sees no grounds to refuse his seat in parliament. > "I have not committed any illegal acts to refuse the mandate of a Saeima deputy. I came into politics to bring about change. I am a member of Kulbergs' team and I do not plan to relinquish my mandate now, as a significant part of society has placed their trust in me," Brencis said. At the same time, he reported that he would discuss further actions with the board of the "United List". ## What is the European Prosecutor's Office investigating? It should be noted that on October 28, KNAB conducted searches and other procedural actions as part of a criminal case initiated by the European Prosecutor's Office (EPPO). The investigation is related to suspicions of possible fraud in public procurement and abuse of official position during the implementation of the Alūksne municipality project, financed by the European Regional Development Fund. According to EPPO, this concerns possible violations of the conditions for using European funding amounting to more than **1.4 million euros**. The investigative actions also affected Brencis, who previously held the position of advisor to Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs. After the searches, the head of government announced Brencis' suspension from his duties in his office. However, the politician insists on his innocence regarding any illegal actions and intends to continue his political career. The investigation is ongoing. The guilt of any of the case participants has not been established by a legally binding court decision.
