Four politicians face allegations in municipal expense cases

LRT reported on Monday that four politicians from Alytus, Jonava and Kaišiadorys districts have been charged in investigations into the suspected misuse of funds allocated for municipal council members’ activities. Prosecutors and the Special Investigation Service (STT) also said a case against Prienai district council member Rima Zablackienė had been sent to court.

Alytus district council members Dalia Kitavičienė and Vytautas Mikelionis, former Jonava district council member Gintas Jasiulionis and former Kaišiadorys district council member Algimantas Janavičius are suspected of submitting inaccurate information about expenses.

Investigators say Kitavičienė may have claimed fuel expenses that were not incurred while serving on the Alytus district council from 2019 to 2023, causing the municipality losses of €1,700. She has been charged with fraud, abuse of office and forging or possessing forged documents.

Mikelionis, who served on the same council during that period, is suspected of making inaccurate claims for transport expenses, allegedly causing €2,300 in losses. He faces the same charges.

Jasiulionis is suspected of submitting inaccurate fuel expenses in advance-payment reports, causing the municipality an estimated €746 in losses. He has been charged with embezzlement, abuse of office and forging or possessing forged documents.

Janavičius is suspected of making inaccurate claims for transport expenses in activity reports from 2019 to 2022, allegedly causing nearly €1,200 in losses. He has been charged with abuse of office, fraud and forging or possessing forged documents.

Zablackienė is accused of abuse of office, fraud and forging or possessing forged documents. Investigators say she may have falsified 33 expense reports between 2019 and 2023 by claiming fuel costs as related to her council duties, and fraudulently obtained nearly €6,300 in municipal funds. She is also accused of abusing her position for financial gain. Her case has been referred to the Alytus District Court.

Separately, BNS reported on Monday that allegations had also been brought against Trakai district Mayor Andrius Šatevičius, a Liberal. The STT conducted the investigations under the supervision of the prosecution service.