Lithuania reports stabilisation in fraud levels as prevention measures take effect

Fraud rates in Lithuania have stabilised, with electronic scams declining by 7% last year compared to 2024, according to law enforcement agencies speaking at a press conference on Tuesday. Officials credited improved prevention—particularly bank interventions to block suspicious transactions—as the key factor in curbing losses.

Police Commissioner General Arūnas Paulauskas noted that while global online fraud continues to grow, Lithuania has managed to contain its domestic figures. “The positive indicator is that we’ve stabilised the electronic fraud situation,” he said, highlighting the 7% drop in reported cases. However, he warned that fraud attempts remain widespread, with scammers increasingly targeting victims through mass digital campaigns.

Data from the Bank of Lithuania revealed that attempted fraudulent transactions surged to €60 million in 2025—an “exponential” rise, according to central bank governor Gediminas Šimkus. Of these, two-thirds were blocked by financial institutions, preventing €40 million in losses last year alone. “This shows financial fraud prevention is working,” Šimkus said, emphasising plans to give banks broader authority to freeze suspicious transfers.

Prosecutor General Nida Grunskienė reported a drop in pre-trial investigations, from 3,000 in 2024 to around 1,000 this year, though she noted some cases now consolidate multiple fraud incidents. Presidential advisor Andrius Varnelis added that while scam attempts have increased, annual financial losses have held steady at roughly €20 million since 2024—a sign that prevention efforts are mitigating damage.

Authorities also observed no spike in fraud linked to the recent second-pillar pension payouts, which had been a concern ahead of the reform. Looking ahead, Paulauskas announced structural changes to investigations, including a new centralised Electronic Fraud Investigation Centre under the Criminal Police Bureau, replacing the current regional system.

The press conference introduced new law enforcement measures aimed at combating fraud, though specific details were not disclosed.