State forest agency head denies workplace romance allegations, calls claims fabricated

The director general of Lithuania’s State Forest Enterprise (VMU), Valdas Kaubrė, has denied allegations of a workplace romance with a subordinate, dismissing the claims as fabricated and announcing plans to take legal action, LRT reports.

Kaubrė told national broadcaster LRT on Thursday that he could not comment on the “false and fabricated information” while the matter is under legal review. “We have handed all materials to lawyers and law enforcement. Once the full investigation is complete, we will share the conclusions,” he said.

He acknowledged that the situation was “very unpleasant” both personally and professionally, adding that the fabricated claims had disrupted operations at the agency.

The allegations surfaced last month after a video, reportedly showing Kaubrė and Izolda Baltutė, head of VMU’s Human and Cultural Affairs Department, was shared on Facebook. News portal LRT.lt subsequently reported that sources described their relationship as an “open secret” within the organisation. Baltutė was also accused of using her position to force out employees she disliked.

VMU has condemned the allegations as part of an “unlawful campaign” against the agency. In a March statement, it denied claims of nepotism and high staff turnover in Baltutė’s department, noting that the 6% turnover rate in 2025 was lower than the agency’s overall 12% rate. Both Kaubrė and Baltutė have declared themselves as married in official disclosures.

The agency said it was pursuing legal action and would refer the case to law enforcement once its internal review was complete. Kaubrė has led VMU since 2020.