airBaltic official accused of fraud and money laundering

The Latvian anti-corruption bureau (KNAB) has requested that prosecutors charge an airBaltic official with abuse of office, fraud, and money laundering. The official, who is responsible for the circulation of aviation spare parts, is accused of orchestrating a scheme to profit from the sale of company assets.

According to investigators, the official facilitated the sale of a landing gear shock absorber and strut to a Lithuanian company through a series of intermediary transactions. A company linked to the official allegedly repurchased the parts and resold them to the final buyer for $370,000 USD. This process reportedly generated an unjustified profit of approximately €55,360.

Evidence suggests that the illicit funds were transferred as dividends to intermediary companies and the personal bank accounts of the individuals involved. Investigators claim the money was subsequently used for personal expenses, including house construction and tuition fees.

Augusts Zilberts, airBaltic’s head of public and political relations, stated that the suspect is neither a current nor a former member of the airline’s board or council, though the individual remains an official within the company. The criminal case was initiated in September 2025.