What is worth knowing about reporting?

  • In the fight against corruption, the competences of institutions are not strictly demarcated – it is a misconception that the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) is the only institution in Latvia that fights corruption. Some corruption cases are investigated by KNAB, others by the State Security Service, still others by the State Police, and there will be cases when the investigation will be entrusted to the Internal Security Office or the internal security services of individual institutions.
  • If you decide to report violations and fraud, you can do it electronically or by submitting to the institution submission.
  • If you decide to report, you can remain anonymous! However, keep in mind that anonymity can be an obstacle to a successful case investigation:
    • Criminal Procedure Law stipulates that the reason for initiating criminal proceedings cannot be anonymous information or information, the submitter of which refuses to reveal the source of the information. This does not mean that your information is useless. However, this means that the authority will need to find other evidence in order to start a criminal process at all, and sometimes the only evidence will be your testimony.
    • If the institution will not be able to collect sufficient evidence without your anonymous testimony and further cooperation, then the perpetrators may go unpunished.
    • If it is not possible for the institution to contact you in due time to find out the details of the incident, which are important for the investigation and proof of the crime, this can significantly jeopardize the investigation.
    • The investigation can be jeopardized if you have submitted information to several law enforcement authorities and/or the media at the same time, but they do not know about it and try to act in parallel, thereby disrupting each other’s intentions.
  • When to report anonymously?
    • If you do not want to disclose your personal data and remain anonymous;
    • If you do not want to receive an answer about the results of information review.
  • When to report openly?
    • If your rights are directly violated;
    • If you want to receive an answer about the results of information review.