Corruption allegations surface against local authorities in Jēkabpils, involving the construction sector
The Jēkabpils Dam project, a major infrastructure initiative worth more than €16.9 million, is currently under investigation following allegations of corruption and violations of building regulations. The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) launched criminal proceedings on 3 March, 2025, and the case has since been transferred to Latvia's National Corruption Prevention Bureau (KNAB) for pre-trial investigation. At the heart of the investigation is the suspected illegal collaboration between public officials and private company representatives, allegedly aimed at influencing the procurement procedure for the Jēkabpils Dam project to favor pre-selected builders. The suspects in the case, according to EPPO, include the Mayor of Jēkabpils, Madara Rekša, the Deputy Mayor, municipal councillors, and representatives of private companies. However, attempts to reach these individuals for comment have been unsuccessful. The Jēkabpils Dam project was designed to address flood protection issues following the floods of 2023, which severely damaged the project. The reconstruction of both banks of the Daugava and the construction of flood protection infrastructure are key components of the project, which is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) up to 85%. The remaining 15% is financed by the national budget. EPPO suspects that violations of building regulations and technological requirements were committed during the project, with the use of low-quality and overpriced materials. These allegations have not been confirmed, and no further details about the investigation have been disclosed by KNAB. The Executive Director of the Jēkabpils Regional Council, Uldis Skreivers, could not be reached for comment. The Deputy of the Executive Director, Anita Moskovska, also refused to comment. The Jēkabpils Dam project is a significant undertaking, intended to provide essential flood protection measures for the region. The ongoing investigation has cast a shadow over the project, raising questions about accountability and transparency in public procurement processes. As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the alleged corruption surrounding the Jēkabpils Dam project.
