Lithuanian MP Remigijus Žemaitaitis remains calm about political future after raids

Lithuanian lawmaker and leader of the Nemuno Aušra (Dawn of Nemunas) party Remigijus Žemaitaitis says he feels “completely at ease” about his political career following raids by financial crime investigators at his home and party offices, LRT.lt reports.

“I don’t think this will have any impact,” Žemaitaitis told reporters on Thursday. “The investigation over the car has been ongoing for a year now—what’s new here? The media will make another report or two, check the same documents again. I truly believe nothing will come of it.”

Officers from Lithuania’s Financial Crime Investigation Service (FNTT) conducted searches at Žemaitaitis’s residence early Thursday, seizing two phones and a computer. They also visited the Nemuno Aušra party headquarters, removing several boxes of documents. The raids, ordered by Vilnius Regional Prosecutor’s Office, relate to an ongoing pre-trial investigation into allegations that lawmakers improperly leased vehicles to their political parties.

Žemaitaitis confirmed investigators were examining contracts linked to a party-leased car. “They took the computers to verify whether the agreements we signed are original,” he said, adding that all documents had been handed over in a single case file. He described the process as a “cross-check” to ensure records submitted to authorities matched those held by the party.

While admitting the early-morning operation was disruptive—”every time it’s 6 AM when they arrive”—he praised officers for acting “professionally and tactfully.” He noted that his children’s phones were also inspected but returned after checks. “They have to review everything, even old devices kept at home,” he said.

The politician dismissed concerns about the impact on his career, stating the probe had dragged on for a year with no new developments. “From A to Z, they must check every paper, every document—that’s standard procedure. I’d do the same in their place,” he said.

Žemaitaitis added that no searches were conducted at the home of his party colleague Robertas Puchovičius. He had no information about whether fellow MP Daiva Petkevičienė, whose office was also raided, faced similar searches at her residence.

The investigation centres on whether Seimas members complied with rules when leasing vehicles to their parties. Prosecutors have not disclosed further details, but the case follows broader scrutiny of lawmakers’ use of state-provided cars for party activities.