Vyšniauskas appeals conviction in “Čekiukų” case to Lithuania’s Supreme Court

Former MP and Marijampolė municipal council member Andrius Vyšniauskas has filed a cassation appeal with the Lithuanian Supreme Court (LAT) following his conviction in the so-called “Čekiukų” (receipts) case, LRT reports.

Vyšniauskas told ELTA he disagrees with the lower court rulings that found him guilty, stating that the case should never have been initiated. He argues the prosecution relied on incorrect interpretations of factual circumstances and improper legal assumptions. The politician claims both the district and appellate courts misapplied criminal law and committed procedural violations that significantly impacted the case outcome.

“The Appellate Court’s ruling contains many errors, contradictions, and inaccuracies that need to be corrected,” Vyšniauskas said. He also believes the court deviated from established judicial practice. His appeal requests the Supreme Court to either overturn the conviction, terminate the criminal case against him, or return it for reconsideration by the Appellate Court.

LAT spokesperson Tautvilė Merkevičiūtė confirmed the court received Vyšniauskas’ appeal on Monday. She noted the politician also seeks reimbursement for legal expenses. The Supreme Court’s Selection College will decide on the admissibility of the appeal.

In June, the Appellate Court upheld Vyšniauskas’ conviction but reduced his fine from €7,500 to €6,500. The court maintained a three-year ban on holding public office. The original conviction stemmed from Vyšniauskas falsifying 19 expense reports between May 2019 and October 2020 while serving on the Marijampolė council, submitting false claims for fuel, phone, and internet expenses. The Appellate Court later narrowed the conviction to only fuel-related expenses and reduced the amount Vyšniauskas was found to have misappropriated from €2,190 to €1,311.