In 2022, Latvia's Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) registered a significant uptick in its operations by starting 45 criminal cases, marking the highest number in the last five years. This rise indicates an intensifying focus on tackling corruption within the government and public sector. Additionally, KNAB forwarded 35 cases to the prosecution, seeking criminal prosecution against 53 individuals, reflecting the agency's growing capacity to address corruption effectively. The number of cases referred to the prosecution was noted as the highest in a decade, underscoring the seriousness with which the bureau is approaching corruption-related offenses.

The most commonly investigated offenses were bribery and abuse of office, suggesting a critical focus on the integrity of public service in Latvia. Furthermore, the cases that were passed on for prosecution often involved fraud, indicating a broader scope of corrupt practices being addressed. The average duration for these investigations was cited as five months, which is two months shorter than the previous year, highlighting KNAB's commitment to efficiency and effectiveness in handling corruption cases. This reduction in investigation time suggests that the bureau is improving its methodologies and strategies for gathering and solidifying evidence against potential offenders.

In financial terms, more than 820,000 euros were declared as criminally obtained and subsequently confiscated for the benefit of the state, contributing significantly to Latvia's national budget. This financial recovery from criminal activities not only serves as a deterrent for corrupt practices but also reflects positively on the government's ability to reclaim lost financial resources. Overall, KNAB's increased activities serve to reinforce the message that corruption will be vigorously prosecuted, thereby enhancing public trust in state institutions and signaling a robust commitment from the Latvian government in fighting corruption.