Lithuanian appeals court reopens evidence review in Vyšniauskas “receipts” corruption case

A Lithuanian appeals court has delayed its ruling in the corruption case against former MP Andrius Vyšniauskas, ordering a renewed examination of evidence and additional questioning of the defendant, state broadcaster LRT reported Monday.

The Vilnius Regional Court of Appeal announced it would not deliver its verdict as scheduled, stating that “based on the case materials, it is currently not possible to issue a lawful and justified ruling or decision.” The panel decided to reopen the evidentiary phase and summon Vyšniauskas for further testimony.

Vyšniauskas, a former member of the Marijampolė Municipal Council, was convicted in July 2025 by the Kaunas District Court for submitting 19 falsified expense reports between May 2019 and October 2020. Prosecutors allege he fabricated claims for fuel, phone, and internet costs—totaling €2,190 in fraudulently obtained public funds—by using other individuals’ bank cards to cover the purported expenses. Monthly reimbursements for council members were capped at €230.

During the original trial, Vyšniauskas claimed his meetings extended beyond constituents to include Lithuania’s Special Investigation Service (STT), discussing anti-corruption risks in healthcare and district heating. The STT, which investigated the case, rejected his assertions. The lower court imposed a €7,500 fine, a three-year ban on public-sector employment, and ordered repayment of the misappropriated funds.

Vyšniauskas’ lawyer, Linas Kuprusevičius, has argued the conviction is unjust, framing the discrepancies as administrative errors without financial harm to the state. The appeal remains pending.