In the case of former Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins' private jet flights, the accused former director of the State Chancellery, Janis Citskovskis, claims that his phone conversations were wiretapped during the investigation for several months, reports TV3.
In an interview, Citskovskis stated that after reviewing the materials of the criminal case, he found that the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) had wiretapped his conversations, including private discussions with family members.
According to Citskovskis, the feeling upon learning about the wiretapping was "disgusting," as he believed there was a different attitude towards various officials in the case. He accused law enforcement of "cowardice" in investigating matters concerning high-ranking state officials.
Citskovskis also claimed that KNAB relied on unreliable information when seeking court permission to wiretap phone conversations. He promised to disclose the materials he possesses in the upcoming trial and point out what he believes are injustices committed during the investigation.
On April 7, the Riga City Court is scheduled to begin hearings on the case regarding Karins' flights at state expense. Only one person will be in the dock — Citskovskis.
Citskovskis claims that the decisions regarding the selection of specific flights for Karins were made by the Prime Minister's office, while the State Chancellery later had to provide explanations to the prosecutor's office, the State Audit Office, and the media. He noted that he was not involved in the selection of routes or carriers.
Citskovskis also stated that after the scandal broke, he faced pressure to take responsibility for the charter flights. According to him, in conversations with employees of the Prime Minister's office, including Evika Silina, he was made to understand that accepting responsibility would be "in the public interest" and that the situation would be "settled" later.
As previously reported, Citskovskis served as the director of the State Chancellery from 2017 until July 2024. Due to the scandal surrounding former Prime Minister Karins' flights, he was demoted in early July 2024. In protest, Citskovskis decided to leave his position at the State Chancellery.
He is accused of failing to perform official duties, resulting in serious consequences.
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