Lithuania proposes new criminal offences in penal code reform

The Lithuanian government has proposed adding new criminal offences to the penal code, targeting environmental violations, human trafficking, and the exploitation of minors, BNS reports.

Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė stated the amendments aim to align Lithuania’s legal system with “real-world challenges,” including environmental protection, combating serious crime, and safeguarding vulnerable groups. “This is a consistent step toward strengthening the rule of law and public safety,” she said.

Under the proposed changes, illegal shipbreaking, unauthorised market introduction or export of goods, and large-scale environmental damage—carrying penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment—would become criminal offences. The reforms also introduce liability for hazardous handling of chemical substances, including mercury and its compounds, covering violations in use, production, storage, import, or export.

Stricter penalties are proposed for involving minors in prostitution, aligning sentences with those for other forms of child exploitation. Administrative code amendments would exempt trafficking victims forced to commit minor offences from liability.

Additional reforms to the Criminal Intelligence Law would expand investigative tools for serious environmental crimes, ensuring proportional and effective measures. The proposals now move to parliament for debate.