Latvia: Nature Agency Deputy Director Suspended After Fraud Arrest | Jorens Liopa

Latvia: Nature Agency Deputy Director Suspended After Fraud Arrest | Jorens Liopa

March 20, 2026 David Kessler - News Editor News

IT Fraud Suspect Dismissed From Second State Agency in a Row

Riga, Latvia – Jorens Liopa, a former head of the State Digital Development Agency and currently Deputy Director of the Nature Protection Department, has been suspended from his second state agency in less than a year following his arrest this week in connection with a major IT procurement fraud case. The case, investigated by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), centers on alleged fraudulent practices involving 1.5 million euros in information technology contracts. This latest development raises questions about oversight and accountability within Latvia’s public sector, particularly regarding IT procurement processes.

Confirmed Arrest and Suspension

The Nature Conservation Agency (DAP) confirmed to LSM.lv that Jorens Liopa was suspended following official notification from the State Police regarding his arrest. Liopa’s responsibilities at the DAP included managing the digitization of agency processes, overseeing the development of the “Ozols” nature data management system, and implementing IT security policies. His arrest follows a large-scale operation on Monday, where State Police detained 21 individuals, including public officials, as part of the EPPO-led investigation. Currently, two individuals are in pre-trial detention, one of whom is a public official.

Previous Removal From State Digital Development Agency

This is not the first time Liopa has faced scrutiny regarding his performance in a state role. Last August, he was removed from his position as head of the State Digital Development Agency following issues with the electronic voting system during local elections. Latvian Television reported that he was demoted due to violations in information technology processes related to those municipal elections. The swift succession of removals from prominent positions raises concerns about a pattern of issues following Liopa’s leadership.

The EPPO Investigation: What We Know

The EPPO investigation alleges that an organized group engaged in a secret agreement to predetermine the winners of public procurement contracts for at least six European Regional Development Fund projects, totaling 1.5 million euros. Investigators suspect that project tasks were deliberately awarded to pre-selected companies, with the illegally obtained profits then distributed among those involved. The State Police have conducted 67 searches at residences and businesses as part of the ongoing criminal proceedings. While 21 individuals were initially detained, the State Police later clarified that only two remain in custody, one of whom is a public official.

Beyond Liopa: Other Individuals of Interest

While Jorens Liopa is a key figure in the unfolding investigation, authorities are too looking into the potential involvement of others. TV3 has reported that Aigars Ceruss, the owner of the company “Corporate Solutions,” is a person of interest, although the company has not yet responded to inquiries. Separately, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) is investigating a case concerning the disclosure of restricted information, involving Edvīns Balševics, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM), an official from the State Digital Development Agency, and a businessman. Bnn-news.com reports that these investigations are running concurrently.

How the EPPO Works: A Brief Explainer

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is an independent European Union body established to investigate and prosecute crimes affecting the EU budget, such as fraud, corruption, and money laundering. The EPPO has the power to investigate offenses involving over €10,000 and can directly investigate, prosecute, and bring cases before national courts. Its creation in 2021 marked a significant step towards strengthening the protection of EU funds and ensuring accountability for financial crimes across member states. More information about the EPPO’s mandate and operations can be found on their official website: https://www.eppo.europa.eu/

Confirmed vs. Unclear: A Summary of the Current Situation

Confirmed:

  • Jorens Liopa has been arrested by the State Police in connection with an EPPO investigation into IT procurement fraud.
  • Liopa has been suspended from his position as Deputy Director of the Nature Protection Department.
  • Liopa was previously removed from his position as head of the State Digital Development Agency following issues with the electronic voting system.
  • 21 individuals were initially detained, with two remaining in pre-trial detention.
  • The EPPO investigation concerns 1.5 million euros in potentially fraudulent IT procurement contracts.

Unclear:

  • The specific details of Liopa’s alleged involvement in the fraud remain undisclosed.
  • The extent of Aigars Ceruss’s potential involvement is currently unknown.
  • The identities of the other individuals detained and the specific charges they face have not been fully released.
  • The outcome of the KNAB investigation into the disclosure of restricted information is pending.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the EPPO and State Police continue their work. The case highlights the importance of robust oversight and transparency in public procurement processes to safeguard public funds and maintain public trust.