Lithuanian prosecutor general has not requested lifting immunity for Skvernelis and Paluckas

Lithuania’s Prosecutor General Nida Grunskienė has not yet filed requests to lift parliamentary immunity for former prime ministers Saulius Skvernelis and Gintautas Paluckas amid ongoing corruption investigations, she confirmed to Žinių Radijas on Thursday.

“As of today, I have no such requests,” Grunskienė stated. She assured that the public would be informed if any such request were made.

The investigations involve a large-scale corruption case at the State Plant Service, where searches were conducted last year in the Seimas offices and homes of Skvernelis, leader of the Democrats’ Union “For Lithuania,” and conservative lawmaker Kazys Starkevičius. Skvernelis was questioned as a special witness, while Starkevičius reportedly refused to testify and later resigned his parliamentary seat.

Paluckas was also questioned as a special witness in a separate probe into potential abuse of power and illicit enrichment. His resignation as prime minister in 2023 followed media investigations into his business ties and questionable transactions.

The corruption case at the State Plant Service has expanded to 14 suspects, including former director Jurijus Kornijenko and other officials accused of systematically extorting bribes from companies transporting plants and agricultural products in exchange for phytosanitary certificates. Seven private company executives and associates also face charges of bribery, influence peddling, and organised criminal activity.

Authorities seized over €1.3 million in cash, 8 kg of gold (worth ~€1 million), 11,000 packs of cigarettes, 14,000 litres of alcohol, cocaine, and explosives during more than 100 searches.

Grunskienė also noted progress in the so-called “čekiukai” (petty cash) cases, involving hundreds of current and former municipal politicians, including mayors and MPs, accused of misusing office funds. Decisions have been issued for 25 of 60 municipalities, recovering over €3 million for the state budget. She expressed hope that 2024 would mark the final year of these investigations.