Lithuania’s defence ministry pledges to strengthen anti-corruption cooperation with STT

The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence (KAM) has announced plans to deepen collaboration with the Special Investigation Service (STT) to reinforce anti-corruption measures within the defence sector, LRT reports.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas met with STT Director Linas Pernavas on Friday to discuss joint efforts in fostering a corruption-resistant environment in defence procurement and operations. The meeting follows recent reports that STT officials briefed lawmakers on corruption risks within KAM after the ministerial leadership change.

According to the Delfi news portal, STT representatives told the Seimas Anti-Corruption Commission this week that since Kaunas replaced Dovilė Šakalienė, the service’s staff have faced exclusion from public procurement working groups. The officials also noted an increase in corruption-related complaints following the ministerial transition and alleged that whistleblowers from KAM had been dismissed.

In its statement, KAM highlighted existing safeguards, including an inter-agency public procurement commission that regularly consults with STT, the Competition Council, and the Public Procurement Office. All defence contracts exceeding €20 million now require independent oversight evaluations.

“To achieve even higher transparency standards, we will increase consultations with STT at the deputy minister and specialist levels,” Kaunas said. “While we already cooperate with STT and other oversight bodies, this collaboration will be strengthened—both strategically and in day-to-day operations.”

The ministry also operates a dedicated Corruption Prevention and Investigation Division and encourages employees to report suspicious or potentially corrupt activities. In late January, the Government Chancellery submitted a proposal to KAM aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and competition in defence procurement.