Lembergs, mayor of the port city in northeastern Latvia since 1988, has repeatedly been accused of money laundry, bribery and abuse of power. According to OFAC, he controls entities through political parties and corrupt politicians.
US officials Monday listed four organizations he owned or controlled: Ventspils Freeport Authority, the Ventspils Development Agency, the Business Development Association, and the Latvian Transit Business Association.
Washington has banned business with these four organizations for 30 days and authorized the seizure of property or accounts he has in the United States. Latvian authorities have also warned businesses there not to violate the US sanctions.
Lembergs said, however, that the sanctions will not have an impact. He pointed at Lativan Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs and Justice Minister Anis Bordāns, his rivals, as the cause of the allegations against him, the Latvian online portal Delfi reports.
