Lithuanian Tatar union distances itself from mufti Jakubauskas

The Lithuanian Tatar Communities Union has distanced itself from the private activities of Romas Jakubauskas, a mufti suspected in a human trafficking investigation, LRT reported. The union said its decision was intended to protect its reputation and remain neutral during the pre-trial investigation while respecting the presumption of innocence.

The organisation’s members made the decision at a meeting on October 3 in Raižiai, a village in Alytus District. They said the reported allegations against Jakubauskas could concern activities incompatible with the union’s goals, values and the public interest.

Union chairman Motiejus Jakubauskas confirmed the decision to ELTA. He said the organisation had chosen to distance itself from information in the public domain about the allegations. “There is also the presumption of innocence; the person should be able to defend himself,” he said.

Investigation into human trafficking

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, Romas Jakubauskas is one of the suspects in a pre-trial investigation into human trafficking and document forgery or the use of forged documents. The investigation involves seven individuals and two legal entities, and 64 people have been recognised as victims so far.

LRT has reported that the investigation concerns Filipino workers brought to Lithuania and employed at poultry plants in Rudamina and Kaišiadorys. The companies suspected in the case are poultry plant contractors FA Solutions and World Halal Trust. Jakubauskas was one of World Halal Trust’s shareholders from March 4, 2020, to July 15, 2026.