Lithuanian intelligence watchdog extends internal security and bullying prevention review at military agency

The head of Lithuania’s State Security Department (VSD) oversight body has announced an ongoing review of internal security and bullying prevention measures at the Second Operational Service Department (AOTD), the country’s military intelligence agency, following last year’s dismissal of its director over alleged staff rights violations, LRT reports.

Nortautas Statkus, director of the Intelligence Control Authority, told the Seimas Human Rights Committee on Tuesday that the inspection—launched in July 2025—examines how AOTD ensures internal security, including personnel vetting, classified information protection, and infrastructure safeguards. A key focus is the agency’s training programs (2024–2025) on internal security and anti-bullying measures.

“This review remains active, with completion planned for this year. Findings will be presented next year,” Statkus said, noting the probe stems from the 2025 ousting of AOTD chief Colonel Elegijus Paulavičius amid accusations of psychological harassment and mobbing. Then-Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė removed Paulavičius in June 2025 after staff complaints, though a subsequent service investigation ended when Paulavičius resigned in August, filing a lawsuit over his dismissal.

The watchdog initially struggled to assess the allegations after the Defence Ministry and AOTD withheld requested documents—including employee complaint copies and inspection reports—citing administrative, not intelligence-related, concerns. Statkus later folded the issue into the broader AOTD internal security review.

Separately, Statkus confirmed an extended review of VSD, Lithuania’s civilian intelligence agency, due to a surge in court requests for sanctioned actions (2022–2024) compared to AOTD. Two new 2026 inspections will evaluate how agencies use collected intelligence and manage personal data in counterintelligence operations.

AOTD oversees defence system security, while VSD handles domestic and external threats. Both operate under distinct legal frameworks governing intelligence-gathering and oversight.