Apeliacinis teismas atidėjo korupcijos byloje nuosprendžio paskelbimą

Lithuania’s Court of Appeals has postponed the announcement of a verdict in a high-profile corruption case involving Druskininkai Mayor Ričardas Malinauskas, former judges, and other individuals until September 14, 2026, LRT reports.

The decision, originally scheduled for July 9, was delayed due to the case’s complexity, the large volume of appeals, and the intricate legal and factual issues they raise. The court is reviewing 15 appeals in the case, which centers on corruption within the judicial system related to the Vijūnėlės Manor in Druskininkai.

Malinauskas, convicted of influence peddling and fined €60,000, has denied wrongdoing. His lawyer argues that the Kaunas Regional Court’s verdict was unlawful and unfounded, claiming the court failed to properly evaluate evidence and dismissed his client’s proof of innocence without justification. The mayor maintains he never negotiated bribes and that all payments were for legal services. He admitted to being interested in preserving the property, which was near his home, and had planned to repurchase it from its owner, Žilvinas Povilionis.

The Prosecutor General’s Office has urged the court to uphold the convictions and sentences, rejecting the appeals. Among those convicted are Malinauskas’ former advisor Aivaras Kadziauskas, fined €42,600, and former court official Arūnas Blažaitis, sentenced to three years in prison and a €18,500 fine. Businesswoman Oksana Sakalauskienė also received a conviction in the case.

The Court of Appeals’ ruling will be final once delivered.