Lithuania’s anti-corruption agency presents secret recordings of bribery schemes in parliament

Lithuania’s Special Investigation Service (STT) played secretly recorded conversations detailing alleged bribery schemes during a closed session of the Seimas Anti-Corruption Commission, local news portal Delfi reported on Tuesday.

The recordings, presented as part of the agency’s annual report, included discussions of corruption risks within the Ministry of National Defence (KAM) and other institutions linked to the political group Nemuno aušra (Dawn of Nemunas). According to lawmakers present, the STT highlighted a deterioration in transparency at the defence ministry since Robertas Kaunas replaced Dovilė Šakalienė as minister.

STT representatives, including agency head Linas Pernavas, reportedly told commission members that ministry officials had excluded the agency from public procurement oversight despite prior agreements. One lawmaker warned that treating the STT as an “adversary” could lead to a major scandal. The agency also noted that whistleblowers reporting irregularities in defence procurement had faced pressure to resign, with two individuals forced out in recent months.

The presentation began with an analysis of corruption risks in ministries controlled by Nemuno aušra, including Agriculture and Environment. Lawmakers were played covert recordings from agricultural institutions, where conversations allegedly referenced regional offices in Žemaitija and Šilutė and discussed bribery schemes. The STT obtained the material through operational measures.

During the session, one parliamentarian asked whether Minister Kaunas should be formally warned about the deteriorating situation. The STT’s annual report is typically public, but the agency requested this meeting be held behind closed doors.