Apeliacinis teismas atmetė Šilutės politiko Padimansko skundą „čekiukų“ byloje

Lithuania’s Court of Appeals on Thursday rejected an appeal by Edgaras Padimanskas, a former member of the Šilutė District Municipal Council, in a case involving abuse of office, fraud, and document forgery, LRT reports.

Padimanskas had requested that the court replace his three-year disqualification from holding public office—a penalty imposed under a conditional release from criminal liability—with a fine payable to the Victim Support Fund. The court upheld the original decision, stating that the minimal-term restriction on his public rights was justified.

The judges noted that Padimanskas had intentionally caused significant financial damage to both the Šilutė District Municipality and the state over a four-year period. His actions were deliberate, the court ruled, and the need to prevent future offences within the state or municipal system remained.

Between 2019 and 2023, Padimanskas submitted 25 falsified expense reports to the municipal administration, claiming reimbursements for fuel and car parts he had not actually incurred. These fraudulent claims resulted in over €4,000 in improper payments.

The Court of Appeals’ ruling takes effect immediately, though Padimanskas may file a cassation appeal to the Supreme Court of Lithuania within three months.