airBaltic official charged with large-scale fraud and money laundering

Latvian prosecutors have charged an airBaltic official with abuse of office for personal gain, large-scale fraud, and the laundering of criminally obtained funds by a group of persons. The charges follow an investigation initiated in 2025 by the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB).

The official, who is responsible for the circulation of aviation spare parts, allegedly orchestrated transactions involving three legal entities to secure illicit profits from the sale of company assets. Specifically, the investigation suggests the official facilitated the sale of spare parts at a discount of more than 55,000 euros, resulting in undue profits for a connected company.

A manager of another company has also been charged for supporting the official's actions and participating in the money laundering scheme. Legal proceedings are also underway to apply coercive measures against the legal entity that benefited from the fraud. While airBaltic officials have stated the accused is not a member of the board or council, KNAB maintains the individual holds the status of a state official.