The Anti-Corruption Bureau of Latvia conducts hospital searches in a case involving rigged tenders

Latvia’s anti-corruption bureau said on Tuesday it had detained seven people and carried out searches at two major hospitals and more than 20 other locations as part of an investigation into suspected bid-rigging in public procurement.

The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) said the proceedings combine three criminal cases, including two initiated by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and one opened by KNAB. EPPO investigates crimes affecting the European Union’s financial interests. 

Investigators suspect officials at Ogre District Hospital and Liepāja Regional Hospital colluded with at least two medical goods suppliers to steer multiple contracts to those companies.