Saulius Skvernelis temporarily allowed to remove electronic monitoring bracelet

Lithuanian MP Saulius Skvernelis, who is under investigation for alleged bribery, has been temporarily permitted to remove his electronic monitoring bracelet, reports 15 min, citing confirmation from General Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Elena Martinonienė.

The decision follows a request submitted to the prosecutor’s office, which was approved after evaluating the arguments and pretrial investigation materials. The prosecutor granted permission for the temporary removal of the device for a short period under justified circumstances.

Skvernelis was previously ordered to wear the electronic bracelet as a precautionary measure amid a corruption probe involving the State Plant Service. He had publicly expressed disagreement with the decision and announced plans to appeal it in court.

The investigation into alleged corruption at the State Plant Service has expanded, with 15 individuals now under suspicion. Authorities have seized over €1.3 million in cash, 8 kg of gold worth approximately €1 million, 11,000 packs of cigarettes, 14,000 liters of alcohol, as well as cocaine and explosives during more than 100 searches. Former Plant Service director Jurijus Kornijenko, his deputy Mantas Butas, advisor Agnė Silickienė, and regional office heads are among those implicated.

Attempts by ELTA to contact Skvernelis were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone was switched off.