Ethics commission investigates Malinauskas’s municipal appointment

Lithuania’s Chief Official Ethics Commission (VTEK) has opened an investigation into the hiring of former Druskininkai mayor Ričardas Malinauskas by the municipality’s administration, LRT reported Wednesday.

Malinauskas, who was convicted in a corruption case, has worked as the administration’s chief adviser since September 18. Administration director Vilma Jurgelevičienė appointed him to the post.

In October, the Special Investigation Service (STT) declined to launch a pre-trial investigation into the appointment, saying it had found no signs of a corruption-related criminal offence. However, it said the administration’s decisions raised questions about compliance with laws governing public administration and local self-government.

Malinauskas’s term as mayor ended after the Lithuanian Court of Appeal upheld his conviction in September for trading in influence. The court left in place a fine of 60,000 euros, which he has paid.