Lithuanian court opens trial over drug and human trafficking network

Šiauliai Regional Court has begun hearing a case against members of an organised criminal group accused of trafficking drugs in Ireland and the United Kingdom and exploiting people, LRT reported. The defendants are expected to begin giving evidence at the next hearing on October 26.

The group allegedly operated from 2011 until August 26, 2020. Prosecutors have charged 33 people; one defendant has died. They also face allegations of unlawful enrichment, laundering criminal proceeds, document forgery and involving a child in criminal activity.

The court read out the indictment and heard the defendants’ positions on the charges. Only a small number admitted guilt in full. Most said they would testify after witnesses had been questioned, while seven agreed to give evidence at the next hearing.

Most of the alleged crimes took place in Ireland. The defendants, aged 28 to 74 and from different parts of Lithuania, are accused of systematically recruiting people in vulnerable circumstances, including those without permanent housing, living in severe poverty, or dealing with addiction or health problems.

According to the case file, more than 100 people were taken from Lithuania to the island of Ireland and subjected to conditions described as modern slavery. They were allegedly exploited to sell drugs on the streets. The indictment says victims had their identity documents taken away, faced psychological and physical violence, were forced to use drugs and were compelled to commit crimes.

The case alleges that transactions were used to launder at least 861,000 euros earned from drug sales in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Jewellery worth nearly 45,000 euros was also acquired.

The case file comprises more than 300 volumes, including a five-volume indictment of more than 1,000 pages. The court plans to question 166 witnesses and 20 victims, some of whom live abroad. Hearings have been scheduled provisionally through May 2027.

Seven of the 32 living defendants are serving sentences for other crimes. The others are subject to restrictions including the seizure of documents, intensive supervision, written commitments not to leave and restrictions on their property rights.