On Friday, June 22, Riga Regional Court recognized the British court order on freezing Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs’ assets worth 135 million dollars.

Unlike the first instance court, the Riga Regional Court has listed all properties subject to asset freeze, says Ugis Grube, lawyer of several foreign companies as plaintiffs.

The ruling can still be appealled to the Supreme Court Senate.

As reported, in June, 2011, Riga City Vidzeme District Court recognized the British court ruling as valid also in Latvia, but it was challenged at Riga District Court. On April 20, 2011, the British court ruled to forbid Lembergs to transfer his 135 million dollars worth assets out of the UK. He was also prohibited to operate with them, get rid of them or diminish their value.

The asset freeze applies to all Lembergs’ property irrelevant whether or not it is registered on his name. It also applies to all assets regardless whether they are owned exclusively by Lembergs or in co-ownership. The court considers as assets any property that a person can dispose of and operate with as if it was owned by him. Keeping in mind the fact that Lembergs resides in Latvia, the applicants – Antonio Gramsci Corporation and around 30 other companies want to enforce the UK ruling also there.

Lembergs has been paying visits to courts quite frequently. Within the framework of the so-called Lembergs’ criminal proceedings the Riga Regional Court has so far held 224 hearings.

The General Prosecutor’s Office accuses Lembergs of accepting huge bribes, money laundering, counterfeiting of service and participation in property transactions against the law due to his top post. He is also accused of abuse of power and other major crimes. Accusations have been brought also against his son Anrijs Lembergs.

Despite numerous accusations and security measures, Lembergs formally remains Ventspils Mayor. He has been in the post since early 90s. Allegedly, it was exactly during this time, when Lembergs became the richest official in Latvia, thanks to being the secret owner of Ventspils transit companies.

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