Lithuania’s environment ministry launches probe into state forestry chief over abuse of office allegations

Lithuania’s Environment Ministry has opened an investigation into Valdas Kaubrė, head of the State Forest Enterprise (VMU), over allegations of abuse of office and nepotism, public broadcaster LRT reported Saturday.

The ministry’s Corruption Prevention and Risk Management Division is examining the claims and expects to complete its assessment by early May. “After evaluating the submitted data, a decision will be made on further action,” a ministry spokesperson told the ELTA news agency.

The probe follows the circulation of a video on Facebook in March appearing to show Kaubrė in a personal relationship with a subordinate—the head of VMU’s Human and Cultural Department. News outlet LRT.lt subsequently reported that the alleged relationship was an “open secret” within the agency, with additional claims that the subordinate had exploited her position to force out unwelcome colleagues.

Kaubrė has denied the allegations, dismissing the video as “fabricated” and vowing legal action. “I cannot comment on this false and fabricated information now. All materials have been handed over to lawyers and law enforcement. Once the full picture is clear, we will share conclusions,” he told LRT Radio in March.

The State Forest Enterprise has called the accusations against its director “a series of unlawful actions” and stressed that staff turnover in the implicated department (6% in 2025) was lower than the agency’s overall rate (12%). Both Kaubrė and the department head have declared themselves married in official disclosures. Kaubrė has led VMU since 2020.