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Latvian central bank boss released on bail | Latvian central bank boss released on bail |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The head of Latvia's central bank has been released from police custody on bail as investigators seek to determine whether or not he solicited a bribe. | The head of Latvia's central bank has been released from police custody on bail as investigators seek to determine whether or not he solicited a bribe. |
The country's anti-corruption agency says Ilmars Rimsevics sought a payment of at least €100,000 (£88,600; $124,100). | The country's anti-corruption agency says Ilmars Rimsevics sought a payment of at least €100,000 (£88,600; $124,100). |
He was arrested and questioned on Saturday, and his home and offices were searched. | He was arrested and questioned on Saturday, and his home and offices were searched. |
A lawyer for Mr Rimsevics told the BBC his client denied any wrongdoing. | A lawyer for Mr Rimsevics told the BBC his client denied any wrongdoing. |
The Bank of Latvia says it has a "zero tolerance" policy towards corruption and was co-operating with investigators. | The Bank of Latvia says it has a "zero tolerance" policy towards corruption and was co-operating with investigators. |
The anti-corruption agency says the criminal investigation is not related to money-laundering accusations levelled against the country's third largest bank, ABLV, by the US Treasury. | The anti-corruption agency says the criminal investigation is not related to money-laundering accusations levelled against the country's third largest bank, ABLV, by the US Treasury. |
Last week, the US launched a stinging attack on ABLV, accusing it of enabling transactions linked to North Korea's weapons program, and of facilitating corruption connected to Azerbaijan, Russia and Ukraine. | Last week, the US launched a stinging attack on ABLV, accusing it of enabling transactions linked to North Korea's weapons program, and of facilitating corruption connected to Azerbaijan, Russia and Ukraine. |
The European Central Bank has responded by blocking all of ABLV's payments, which has forced the bank to seek emergency financial support. | The European Central Bank has responded by blocking all of ABLV's payments, which has forced the bank to seek emergency financial support. |
Meanwhile, another Latvian bank, Norvik Bank, is taking action against the state, claiming that a "senior Latvian" official abused their position and sought bribes. | Meanwhile, another Latvian bank, Norvik Bank, is taking action against the state, claiming that a "senior Latvian" official abused their position and sought bribes. |
Latvia country profile | |
Latvia's Prime Minister, Maris Kucinskis, has chaired an emergency cabinet meeting amid the turmoil. | Latvia's Prime Minister, Maris Kucinskis, has chaired an emergency cabinet meeting amid the turmoil. |
Earlier he said that Mr Rimsevics' detention did not pose any national threat, but he also called for him to resign. | Earlier he said that Mr Rimsevics' detention did not pose any national threat, but he also called for him to resign. |
"I can't imagine that a governor of the Bank of Latvia detained over such a serious accusation could work," the prime minister said on Latvian television. | "I can't imagine that a governor of the Bank of Latvia detained over such a serious accusation could work," the prime minister said on Latvian television. |
Mr Rimsevics is also a member of the European Central Bank's governing council. | Mr Rimsevics is also a member of the European Central Bank's governing council. |
No charges have been brought against him so far. | No charges have been brought against him so far. |
A businessman, Maris Martinsons, was also detained at the weekend but later released. | A businessman, Maris Martinsons, was also detained at the weekend but later released. |
The Bank of Latvia said it was operating normally - "business as usual" - while the investigation continued. | The Bank of Latvia said it was operating normally - "business as usual" - while the investigation continued. |