Lithuanian prosecutors seek to lift Skvernelis’ immunity over corruption probe
Lithuania’s prosecutor general has formally requested that parliament strip Saulius Skvernelis, leader of the Democratic Union “For Lithuania” party and a lawmaker, of his legal immunity, state broadcaster LRT reported on Wednesday.
The move follows a pre-trial investigation into alleged corruption within the State Plant Service, a body under the Agriculture Ministry responsible for issuing phytosanitary certificates for plant and plant-based product exports. Skvernelis is among those under scrutiny for potentially creating politically favourable conditions for corrupt practices.
Skvernelis told LRT he had not yet seen the prosecutor’s request but confirmed that, under his party’s statutes, any member formally accused of wrongdoing must suspend their membership—and consequently forfeit leadership roles. “We will review the request’s content and act in full compliance with the law,” he said. “Our party rules are clear: if charges are filed, membership is suspended.” Asked whether this would automatically end his tenure as party chairman, he replied: “Automatically, yes.”
The investigation, launched in 2025, centres on allegations that officials systematically extorted bribes—totalling an estimated €1.5 million—from businesses transporting plants and plant products in exchange for export certificates. Fourteen individuals are under suspicion, including the service’s former director Jurijus Kornijenko, his deputy Mantas Butas, and regional office heads. Private sector figures linked to the scheme are also being probed.
Skvernelis’ connection to the case stems from his former adviser Agnė Silickienė, a co-founder of his party who held roles in both the Seimas and the Plant Service. Prosecutors allege that businesses, unable to secure political intervention, were forced to pay bribes to avoid disruptions. In April 2025, logistics firms—including Transit-LT—publicly complained to then-Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas and Skvernelis, then-Seimas speaker, about sudden, targeted inspections of flower shipments under Kornijenko’s leadership, which they called unjustified and damaging.
The case expands on a 2024 appointment by then-Agriculture Minister Kazys Starkevičius (Homeland Union), who installed Kornijenko—a figure from his inner circle—as the service’s director. Starkevičius is also under investigation for his role in the alleged scheme.