Corruption probe shakes Latvia’s forestry sector over timber pricing scheme

Raivis Kronbergs has resigned as director of Latvia’s State Chancellery, just four days after being detained by the country’s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) in an investigation linked to discounted long-term timber supply contracts at state forestry company Latvijas Valsts Meži (LVM). The resignation was agreed with outgoing Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, according to Latvian public broadcaster reports. Deputy director for legal affairs Inese Gailīte will assume the role temporarily until a replacement is appointed. The investigation centres on a Cabinet decision made in late 2023 that required LVM to apply ...