Lithuanian prosecutors seek to strip MP Paluckas of immunity over illicit enrichment allegations

Lithuania’s Prosecutor General has formally requested that parliament lift the legal immunity of social democrat MP Gintautas Paluckas, paving the way for criminal charges over suspected illicit enrichment, LRT reports.

Prosecutor General Nida Grunskienė submitted the request on Friday, seeking to charge Paluckas in connection with an ongoing pre-trial investigation into alleged abuse of office and unlawful asset acquisition. The Special Investigations Service (STT) launched the probe last summer following journalistic investigations into Paluckas’ financial history.

Investigators suspect Paluckas illegally amassed assets worth over €45,000. The case stems from reports by Laisvės TV and the investigative journalism centre Siena, which revealed that Paluckas owned and led Sagerta, a company that received €180,000 in unrepaid loans of unclear origin. Questions have also been raised about his 2022 purchase of a Vilnius apartment for €223,000.

Paluckas was questioned as a special witness by the STT in January. Separately, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and Lithuania’s Financial Crime Investigation Service (FNTT) are probing potential credit fraud linked to a state-backed loan granted to Garnis, a company associated with Paluckas when he was prime minister. The investigation followed media reports about a favourable loan from the national development bank Invega (ILTE).

Amid the mounting legal scrutiny, Paluckas resigned as prime minister and leader of the Social Democratic Party in August 2025 but retained his parliamentary seat. Earlier this month, unspecified charges were reportedly filed against his wife, Ilma Paluckienė, though it remains unclear whether they relate to the STT or FNTT investigations.