Appeals court upholds Vyšniauskas conviction in expense fraud case, reduces fine

A Lithuanian appeals court on Thursday upheld the conviction of former MP and Marijampolė municipal council member Andrius Vyšniauskas in the so-called “čekiukų” (receipts) scandal but reduced his fine, LRT reports.

The court partially granted Vyšniauskas’ appeal, lowering his fine from €7,500 to €6,500. The ban on holding public office for three years, imposed by the Kaunas Regional Court, remains unchanged.

Vyšniauskas was initially convicted for falsifying 19 expense reports between May 2019 and October 2020 while serving as a municipal council member. The reports contained false information about fuel, phone, and internet expenses claimed as work-related costs.

The appeals court modified the ruling, stating that Vyšniauskas would only remain convicted for expenses related to fuel purchases by others. Judge Linas Šiukšta clarified: “You remain convicted of abuse, document falsification, and fraud only regarding fuel obtained by other individuals.”

The court also adjusted the amount Vyšniauskas was found to have misappropriated from the Marijampolė municipality administration. The original sum of €2,190 was reduced to €1,311.

The ruling takes immediate effect but can be appealed to the Lithuanian Supreme Court. Vyšniauskas confirmed to ELTA that he intends to file a cassation appeal.

The case emerged from a broader investigation into potential misuse of public funds by local politicians, initiated by public figure Andrius Tapinas through his “Skaidrinam” (We Reveal) project.