Lithuanian PM warns corruption probe into cigarette smuggling by officials is not over

Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė has stated that the detention of law enforcement officers in a cigarette smuggling investigation is “not the end of the story,” suggesting further arrests may follow, LRT reports.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, Ruginienė acknowledged that while authorities have made progress in dismantling smuggling networks since December, the involvement of officials in criminal schemes remains unacceptable. “We have been fighting balloon smuggling since October, which was essentially a hybrid attack—partly linked to actions from Belarus, but mostly long-standing, large-scale contraband,” she said.

The prime minister hinted that ongoing investigations could reveal deeper corruption. “No one knows how this probe will end. Those detained may just be the base level—I have no doubt we will learn much more soon. The system must be cleansed,” she added.

Last week, Lithuanian law enforcement announced operations targeting cigarette smuggling via meteorological balloons, resulting in 27 arrests, including 10 police officers and three border guards. Authorities seized thermal imagers, drones, GPS devices, radio stations, face masks, SIM cards, and cigarette-packaging equipment during 74 raids involving over 100 officers.

Deputy Police Commissioner Marius Draudvila confirmed the detained officials are suspected of facilitating criminal activities, though not directly organizing the smuggling. “Abuse of office can take many forms—turning a blind eye to certain processes, sharing official information, or other actions,” he explained. All suspects have been suspended from duty.

The investigation follows months of efforts to curb balloon-based smuggling, which officials describe as both a criminal enterprise and a hybrid threat linked to Belarus.