Lithuanian prosecutor’s office charges MP Skvernelis with bribery in agricultural agency case

The Lithuanian Prosecutor General’s Office has formally charged Saulius Skvernelis, a member of the Seimas, with accepting bribes in connection with a corruption investigation at the State Plant Service, LRT reports.

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Special Investigations Service, Skvernelis—while serving as speaker of the Seimas—allegedly received at least €51,000 in cash bribes on multiple occasions in exchange for political favours related to the agency’s operations. Prosecutors claim he was aware the payments came from illicit funds obtained through a broader bribery scheme.

The bribes were reportedly delivered to Skvernelis by his adviser, Agnė Silickienė, who also held a position at the Plant Service. Investigators allege the total sum of bribes in the case may exceed €1.1 million, with monthly payoffs distributed among members of a criminal group—including Skvernelis, referred to in accounting records under the codename “Krabas” (Crab).

Prosecutor General Nida Grunskienė stated the charges are supported by testimony from witnesses and suspects, physical evidence seized during searches, and pre-trial investigation documents. Skvernelis has denied the allegations, telling journalists he had no knowledge of the scheme or the money.

The Seimas previously lifted Skvernelis’s legal immunity to allow prosecution. Sixteen individuals, including former Agriculture Minister Kazys Starkevičius, have been charged in the ongoing investigation.