Lithuanian authorities report stabilisation in fraud levels

Fraud rates in Lithuania have stabilised, with prevention measures—particularly bank interventions to block suspicious transactions—proving most effective, officials said Tuesday, as reported by LRT.

While global online fraud continues to rise, Lithuania recorded a 7% drop in digital fraud cases last year compared to 2024, according to Police Commissioner General Arūnas Paulauskas at a press conference unveiling new law enforcement measures against scammers.

Prosecutor General Nida Grunskienė noted that around 1,000 pre-trial investigations were launched this year, down from 3,000 in 2025, though some cases consolidated multiple fraud incidents. Presidential advisor Andrius Varnelis added that while attempted scams are increasing, financial losses have remained stable at roughly €20 million annually since 2024. However, the amount of protected funds tripled—from €15 million in 2024 to €40 million in 2025.

Contrary to expectations, scammers did not exploit the May disbursement of second-pillar pension funds, Paulauskas said. Investigations into digital fraud will now shift from local jurisdictions to a new centralised Electronic Fraud Investigation Centre under the Criminal Police Bureau.

Meanwhile, Gediminas Šimkus, governor of the Bank of Lithuania, warned that attempted thefts surged to €60 million in 2025, with only two-thirds of cases thwarted—primarily by financial institutions. “What we know is just part of the picture; much of this criminal activity goes undetected,” he said, emphasising that prevention remains the most effective tool.

Authorities aim to expand banks’ capacity to block fraudulent transactions, with Šimkus noting that €11 million in attempted fraud was stopped this year alone.