OECD Working Group on Bribery Experts Visit Latvia

Experts from the OECD Working Group on Bribery visited Latvia to conduct an on-site assessment of how Latvia implements the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention. Such visits are held on a regular basis and aim to evaluate how countries prevent, detect and investigate the bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions.

During the visit, the experts met with representatives of the responsible ministries, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB), the Prosecutor's Office and the courts, as well as held discussions with representatives of the financial sector, the business community, non-governmental organisations and the media. Both the legal and regulatory framework and the practical application of the Convention's requirements were assessed.

The on-site visit is an essential part of the OECD evaluation process, as it allows experts to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation in the country, assess progress to date and provide recommendations for further improvements.

The experts' visit represented an important step in strengthening Latvia's international reputation in the field of corruption prevention. It included an analysis of both recent legislative and institutional developments and practical experience, including investigations, prosecutions and cooperation with foreign partners.

Latvia's Phase 4 evaluation report is planned to be prepared by June of that year.

The OECD Working Group on Bribery experts last conducted an on-site visit to Latvia in 2019 as part of the full Phase 3 evaluation. Subsequently, in 2021, a written follow-up report was prepared without an on-site visit.