Ilmārs Poikāns
Latvian hacker and AI researcher (born 1978)
- Life
- 1978 – present
- Born
- November 4, 1978
Ilmārs Poikāns is a Latvian AI researcher at the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Latvia. He has used the pseudonym Neo, and is also known in the press as Latvia's "Robin Hood".
Background
Ilmārs Poikāns, born November 4, 1978, is a Latvian AI researcher affiliated with the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Latvia. Outside academic circles, he became widely known under the pseudonym Neo — a reference to the protagonist of The Matrix — and was labeled Latvia's "Robin Hood" by the press.
The Tax Records Incident
Poikāns came to public prominence after allegedly gaining unauthorized access to approximately 7.5 million government tax records. The disclosed data revealed that certain high-ranking public sector employees had received pay rises during a period when rank-and-file workers were subjected to pay cuts of as much as 30%. The leak drew significant public attention to perceived inequities in how austerity measures were being applied across Latvia's public sector.
Following the disclosure, Poikāns was arrested. Prosecutors subsequently released a statement noting: "Taking into consideration his attitude, his confession of the crime, and his cooperation in the investigation, we did not seek his pre-trial detention." Reports at the time indicated that his arrest may have been connected to a search of TV journalist Ilze Nagla's house on May 11, 2010. In the aftermath of his arrest, a flash mob was organized outside the government's cabinet office in a show of public support.
Allegations Against Public Officials
Poikāns also made allegations concerning prominent Latvian and European financial figures. He alleged that Valdis Dombrovskis, who served as a European Commission Vice President responsible for the integrity of the euro, and Ilmārs Rimšēvičs, the Bank of Latvia Governor and a member of the European Central Bank's governing council, had supported fraudulent conduct at Parex Bank. He further alleged that Rimšēvičs received a substantial sum in connection with those activities.
Pardon
On December 18, 2017, Poikāns was granted a presidential pardon, formally closing the legal proceedings that had stemmed from the tax records case.
