Seven local politicians face allegations over council expense funds

Seven current and former local politicians face allegations of abuse of office over the possible misuse of funds allocated for council members’ activities, LRT reported, citing the Special Investigation Service.

The allegations concern politicians from the municipalities of Birštonas, Prienai, Radviliškis, Jonava and Marijampolė. Investigators suspect they may have included inaccurate information about fuel and other expenses in activity reports, causing financial damage to the municipalities.

According to the Special Investigation Service, Birštonas council member Darius Šeškevičius may have caused damage of EUR 9,689. Former Prienai district council member Gintautas Bartulis is suspected of causing EUR 5,023 in damage, while current council member Simona Vaicekauskaitė-Šalčė is suspected of causing EUR 3,133.

Former Radviliškis district council member Gabrielius Verdingas may have caused EUR 2,290 in damage, while council member Vida Janulaitienė is suspected of causing EUR 2,340.

Former Marijampolė council member Karolis Dvylys is suspected of causing EUR 940 in damage, and former Jonava district council member Birutė Gailienė of causing EUR 6,924.

The individuals face allegations of abuse of office, fraud, document forgery or the handling of forged documents. Gailienė also faces an allegation of possible misappropriation of property.

The Special Investigation Service is currently conducting pre-trial investigations into the possible improper use of municipal funds in 24 municipalities. Since 2023, it has assessed around 1,100 cases involving the possible unlawful use of expenses by council members in 41 municipalities. About 850 cases have been analysed so far.