Rokiškis lawyer charged with fraud, embezzlement in state-funded legal aid scheme

The Panevėžys Regional Prosecutor’s Office has referred a criminal case to court against a Rokiškis-based lawyer accused of embezzlement, fraud, and document forgery, state news agency ELTA reports. The suspect allegedly defrauded victims—including minors—of state-compensated legal aid funds intended for crime victims.

Prosecutors state the lawyer, identified only as I. R., systematically exploited his position as a state-guaranteed secondary legal aid provider between June 2023 and March 2025. He is accused of deceiving clients by falsifying representation agreements, claiming victims had voluntarily hired him while concealing their right to free state-funded legal support. After securing advance compensation payments from the Crime Victims’ Fund—transferred to his personal bank account—he allegedly withheld portions meant for clients, causing a combined financial loss of €7,450.

The investigation, led by the Special Investigations Service (STT) and overseen by prosecutor Tomas Dzikas, found that the lawyer’s actions “grossly violated legal norms” and inflicted both material and non-material harm on vulnerable victims, including minors. Prosecutors argue the scheme also damaged public trust in the legal aid system and the legal profession.

Under Lithuania’s Criminal Code, embezzlement carries a penalty of up to six years’ imprisonment. Fraud and document forgery are punishable by community service, fines, restriction of liberty, arrest, or up to three years in prison. The case will be heard by the Panevėžys District Court.