Riga, Feb 3 (LETA) - Seven officials have been detained in criminal proceedings over alleged irregularities at Liepaja Regional Hospital and Ogre District Hospital.

Authorities suspect that state officials of Liepaja Regional Hospital and Ogre District Hospital may have negotiated with at least two suppliers of medical goods regarding the victory of these companies in several public tenders, the Corruption Prevention Bureau (KNAB) told LETA.

The bureau confirmed to LETA that it is carrying out criminal proceedings at the two hospitals and more than 20 other facilities.

Information in the KNAB's possession indicates that public officials at both hospitals allegedly negotiated with at least two suppliers of medical supplies for these companies to win several public tenders.

Criminal proceedings have been carried out in two criminal cases initiated by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), the investigation of which has been transferred to the KNAB, and in one criminal proceeding initiated by the KNAB.

Seven people were detained in criminal proceedings.

The KNAB investigation is currently in its most active phase and the disclosure of more information could be detrimental to the gathering and consolidation of evidence.

KNAB will inform the public about the criminal proceedings, including the number of people involved and the offenses investigated, once procedural decisions have been taken and sufficient evidence has been obtained.

Ronalds Fricbergs, Executive Director of Liepaja municipality, who is a representative of the hospital's shareholder, confirmed to LETA that KNAB officials are carrying out procedural actions at Liepaja hospital. Fricbergs said that since the members of the hospital's board had signed non-disclosure agreements, no further information would be disclosed.

LETA has not been able to contact the chairman of the board of Ogre District Hospital, Dainis Sirovs (National Alliance), because his phone is switched off.

The EPPO is the prosecuting authority of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to justice crimes against the EU financial interests. These crimes include, for example, various types of fraud, money laundering, corruption and other crimes.