Law enforcement operation in Šalčininkai as witnesses report two people taken away

A law enforcement operation is underway in the Lithuanian town of Šalčininkai, with witnesses reporting that officers removed two individuals from a residential building, local media LRT.lt reported on Monday.

Unconfirmed reports on social media first emerged early Monday, with residents claiming that officers from the Aras (Anti-Corruption Investigation Service) were seen near Sniadeckio Street around 6 a.m. and later at the district municipality offices around 8 a.m. A witness told LRT.lt that officers took a man and a woman from the building, while a luxury Mercedes with the provocative license plate “3AKOH” (Russian for “The Law”) was also removed from the premises.

Julija Samorokovskaja, head of communications for the Vilnius County Chief Police Commissariat, confirmed to LRT.lt that an operation was taking place but declined further comment, stating that a public statement would follow shortly. Preliminary information suggests the operation is being led by Lithuania’s Criminal Police Bureau (LKPB).

A representative for Šalčininkai District Municipality also confirmed to the Baltic News Service (BNS) that law enforcement officers had visited the municipal offices around 8 a.m. but did not disclose the purpose of their visit. The officers have since left the premises.

According to LRT.lt sources, the individuals removed may be linked to cigarette smuggling from Belarus, with one potentially employed by the State Border Guard Service (VSAT). Giedrius Mišutis, a VSAT spokesperson, told LRT.lt that the agency currently has no official information regarding the operation or any detentions.