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Estonian PM: POT corruption case a serious security threat

Xinhua, August 28, 2015 Adjust font size:

Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Roivas warned on Thursday the corruption allegations surrounding state-owned Port of Tallinn pose a serious security threat to the nation.

"Of course it is regrettable that these very serious suspicions have arisen. If they are confirmed then it is not just great greed but also a very serious security risk," the state-run Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) quoted Roivas as saying in its report.

"Corruption in strategic state enterprises needs to be taken seriously," he said, adding that the company must cooperate fully with the investigative authorities.

Meanwhile, Estonian Economy Minister Kristen Michal said the current case shows state companies' taxpayer assets need to be better handled.

He said he already has a plan to reorganize the leadership structures of the Port of Tallinn, Estonian Railways and other state-owned companies.

Earlier on Wednesday, a breaking news shocked the whole nation as the Estonia's Internal Security Service (ISS) announced the detention of the state-owned Port of Tallinn CEO Ain Kaljurand and board member Allan Kiil, claiming that both man are accused of taking large bribes over many years, although no figures or exact aim of the bribes have been disclosed.

Kaljurand and Kiil's offices, homes and a number of other premises were searched on wednesday, according the ERR report, three people have been detained for giving bribes in the case, and three more for aiding. Endit