The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has currently interrogated more than 60 people as part of the criminal process regarding the implementation of the railway project 'Rail Baltica', reports the LETA agency citing KNAB.
In this criminal process, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) continues to conduct a pre-trial investigation. At this time, the bureau does not comment on whether any individual has the procedural status of a suspect or accused.
Given the scale of the 'Rail Baltica' project, KNAB is conducting a legal assessment of the materials obtained during the criminal process. The institution is also continuing to request additional information necessary for the investigation from the involved institutions.
KNAB notes that the duration of the investigation also depends on the cooperation of the interested parties, including the speed of information provision by the institutions.
The bureau emphasizes that the investigation is being conducted in close cooperation with the supervising prosecutor. Regular meetings are held between both structures to discuss the progress of the investigation and further steps.
In December 2024, after completing the review, the Prosecutor General's Office initiated a criminal process regarding possible violations by officials responsible for the implementation of the 'Rail Baltica' project.
The criminal process was initiated due to the possible infliction of significant damage to the state budget in connection with the construction of 'Rail Baltica' infrastructure facilities. In early 2025, then Prosecutor General Juris Stukans announced on Latvian television that the actions of politicians are also being evaluated in the case.
The criminal process was initiated under the article of the Criminal Law concerning crimes committed while serving in public institutions.
The 'Rail Baltica' project involves the construction of a European standard railway line from Tallinn to the borders of Lithuania and Poland to connect the Baltic states with the rest of Europe. As part of the project, a new railway line of 870 kilometers in length with a gauge of 1435 mm and a maximum train speed of 240 kilometers per hour is planned to be built in the Baltic states.
