Former Ignalina district mayor found guilty in “checkbook” corruption case but spared punishment

A Lithuanian court has found Justas Rasikas, the former mayor of Ignalina district and current council member, guilty of corruption in the so-called “čekiukai” (checkbook) case but released him from liability under an amnesty, LRT reports.

Utena District Court ruled on May 11 that Rasikas, along with former deputy mayor Juozas Rokas and politician Jonas Baltakis, committed abuse of office, fraud, and document forgery. All three were acquitted of criminal liability for a 30-month period under a statutory limitation provision.

The court also imposed a three-year ban on the trio holding elected or appointed positions in state or municipal institutions, agencies, or companies.

Prosecutors have 20 days to appeal the ruling. The case centers on the misuse of public funds through falsified fuel purchase documents—a practice colloquially known in Lithuania as “čekiukai.”