Kaunas police decline to investigate alleged illegal riverbed alterations during bridge construction
Kaunas police have decided not to launch a pre-trial investigation into allegations that the bed of the Neris River was illegally deepened during the construction of a pedestrian bridge near Kaunas Castle, LRT.lt reports.
The Environmental Protection Department (AAD) had previously estimated environmental damage from the works at over €40,000, but authorities found no evidence of criminal activity.
“A decision was made to refuse to initiate a pre-trial investigation, as no signs of criminal conduct were identified,” the Kaunas County Chief Police Commissariat told LRT.lt.
The AAD had referred the case to police in April, following reports from members of the public in August last year that construction of the pedestrian bridge may have violated environmental protection requirements. The site lies within a Natura 2000 protected area, where legally safeguarded natural values could be at risk.
An inspection confirmed that the contractor had deviated from the approved project scope, performing unauthorised riverbed deepening. Experts from Vilnius University’s Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences later determined that the works had “undoubtedly altered the river’s hydrodynamic flow, bed relief, and shoreline.”
The AAD concluded that the natural riverbed had been damaged, with estimated environmental harm totalling €42,400. However, police saw no grounds for criminal proceedings.
Juozas Kriaučiūnas, head of Autokausta—the company carrying out the works—previously dismissed the allegations, stating that all activities complied with the project and that claims of environmental damage were “theoretical.” Kaunas Mayor Visvaldas Matijošaitis also downplayed concerns, arguing that urban development should take precedence.
Construction of the €10 million pedestrian and cycling bridge began last year and is scheduled for completion in July 2027. A ceremonial capsule-laying event was held last week to mark progress on the project.