Former Lithuanian PM Gintautas Paluckas formally charged with illicit enrichment

Lithuania’s Special Investigation Service (STT) has formally charged former prime minister Gintautas Paluckas with illicit enrichment, state broadcaster LRT reports. The charges follow a long-running pre-trial investigation into his and his wife’s unexplained wealth.

Paluckas arrived at the STT headquarters in central Vilnius on Thursday afternoon alongside his lawyer. After a two-hour meeting, he confirmed to reporters that prosecutors had presented formal suspicions under Article 189 of the Criminal Code, which covers unlawful asset acquisition.

“Yes, suspicions have been formally presented—relating to what the prosecutor general previously announced: illicit enrichment,” Paluckas told journalists. He added that he had already given testimony three times as a special witness and saw no need to provide further statements on Thursday. No coercive measures were imposed, but he now holds official suspect status.

The investigation centers on assets allegedly acquired between late 2010 and 2024, including joint property with his wife, Ilma Paluckienė, who was also charged on Thursday. Prosecutors claim the couple amassed over 900 minimum monthly wages’ worth of assets (approximately €344,578) through funds of unclear origin, potentially linked to fictitious transactions.

Paluckas, a sitting MP, lost his parliamentary immunity on May 7 after the Seimas voted to lift it at the request of Prosecutor General Nida Grunskienė. He had previously agreed to the simplified procedure for removing his immunity but denied wrongdoing. The case remains under the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise in court.

The pre-trial probe, launched in early 2025 and led by the Prosecutor General’s Office with STT support, continues. Paluckas has previously suspended his membership in the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP) amid media investigations into his business ties and financial dealings last summer.