Police respond to Skvernelis’ complaints about ankle monitor: beeping caused by GPS signal issues

Police have addressed complaints from MP Saulius Skvernelis regarding his ankle monitor, stating that the beeping is caused by GPS signal loss, LRT reports.

Skvernelis, who faces bribery allegations, was placed under intensive supervision with electronic monitoring. During a press briefing in the Seimas, his ankle monitor began beeping loudly, disrupting his ability to perform his duties as an MP. He stated that the device requires him to go outside to restore the signal.

“I cannot perform my duties as a MP because it demands that I go outside,” Skvernelis told journalists.

This is not the first time the monitor has interfered with his work. Last week, it disrupted his participation in a vote, forcing him to leave the chamber.

“This is the second time. Last Tuesday, it interrupted my voting, and I had to go outside,” Skvernelis said, questioning the proportionality of the measure.

Ramūnas Matonis, head of the Police Department’s Communications Division, confirmed that the ankle monitor relies on GPS signals, which can be lost in buildings with thick walls, triggering an alarm. To resolve this, the wearer must move to an open area to restore the connection.

Matonis also noted that individuals under intensive supervision must follow a predetermined schedule, specifying where they can and cannot go, as well as the maximum allowed distance from approved locations. Police are alerted if the monitor is removed or if the individual violates the set conditions, such as exceeding the permitted distance.