Estonian authorities last week conducted a search on the Tallinn work premises of Oleg Ossinovski, a businessman caught in a corruption scandal in Latvia.
Authorities search Oleg Ossinovski's workplace
10th August 2015, 15:35
Please note that the article is more than five years old and belongs to our archive. We do not update the content of the archives, so it may be necessary to consult newer sources.
BNS has learned that the search took place in the second half of the week.
Spokespeople at the Estonian chief prosecutor's office refused comment on Monday, just saying that law enforcement authorities of Latvia have sent a request for legal assistance to their Estonian counterparts in connection with a criminal procedure.
The Latvian daily Diena reported over the weekend that Ugis Magonis, president of Latvia's state-owned railway company Latvijas Dzelzcels, was detained on Thursday evening by the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) based on a suspicion that he accepted half a million euros in bribe in relation to the recent procurement of four old diesel trains worth several millions of euros from Skinest, a company of Oleg Ossinovski.
Officers of KNAB on Thursday conducted a search at Magonis's office and detained him. The Riga Regional Court on Saturday ruled to remand Magonis in custody, the Latvian public broadcaster reported. On Friday, Magonis was dismissed as head of Latvijas Dzelzcels and Avars Straksas, a member of the board, was appointed acting head of the company. Transport Minister Anrijs Matiss said Magonis was detained in connection with a business deal.
Ossinovski has said there was no foul play involved in the transaction.