Prosecutors and STT call for dismissal of corruption case against Šiauliai council member Sireika

The Special Investigation Service (STT) and the Prosecutor General’s Office have announced that the criminal case against Antanas Sireika, a member of Šiauliai City Council, should be terminated. The decision follows an investigation into alleged abuse of office and falsified expense reports.

According to the pre-trial investigation, Sireika, while serving as a council member between 2019 and 2023, may have misused his position by submitting expense advance reports and reimbursement claims containing false information about fuel costs. This allegedly caused damage of €3,072 to the Šiauliai Municipality Administration. The STT and Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed that the improperly obtained funds have since been fully repaid in civil proceedings.

After reviewing the evidence, authorities concluded that no criminal offences were committed. Consequently, the pre-trial investigation into the allegations against Sireika—including abuse of office, fraud, misappropriation of property, and document forgery—must be closed.

In January, the STT formally charged Sireika, a well-known basketball coach and honorary citizen of Šiauliai, in connection with the so-called “čekiukų” (expense reimbursement) scandal. The case centred on the alleged misuse of municipal funds.