Lithuanian court begins hearing MP Sabutis’ expense fraud case, he denies guilt

A court in Jonava, Lithuania, has begun hearing the criminal case against MP Eugenijus Sabutis over alleged expense fraud, with the politician denying the charges, LRT reports.

The Kaunas Regional Court in Jonava started examining the case on Monday, four months after the Kaunas District Prosecutor’s Office referred it to court in late February. Prosecutor Darius Valkavičius accused Sabutis of violating his oath as a member of the Jonava District Council between 2019 and 2020 by acting against the interests of public service.

According to the prosecutor, Sabutis allegedly falsified 18 advance payment statements for his councilor’s allowance. He is suspected of submitting documents to the municipality claiming he used about 1.5 tons of fuel for his official duties and provided fake receipts to receive compensation. Additionally, he allegedly purchased a Samsung television with a sound system using municipal funds.

When asked by Judge Lina Šafronienė whether he understood the charges, Sabutis replied, “Yes, I understand.” However, when asked if he pleaded guilty, he responded, “No, I do not.” The MP stated he would present his evidence only after all witnesses are heard and the case materials are examined. “I want to hear the witnesses, all the evidence,” Sabutis told ELTA after the hearing, explaining his decision to provide his account at the end of the process.

The court has 10 witnesses to hear in the case. Judge Šafronienė said all would be summoned for the next hearing on September 30.

Sabutis lost his legal immunity last September. At the time, he noted that investigations into expense fraud often target council members when they decide to run for higher office or gain national political attention. He had considered running for prime minister in August but withdrew his candidacy after learning he would be questioned as a special witness in the case.

Prosecutor Valkavičius said family members were questioned on July 30, 2025, with two more individuals interviewed on July 28 and 29. Witness interviews took place on July 30 and August 1, after which Sabutis was questioned as a special witness.

Investigators noted inconsistencies in Sabutis’ expense reports, including claims for fuel expenses while he was on official trips abroad. On one occasion in 2019, records show four fuel purchases at the same gas station within a short timeframe—diesel at 20:51, petrol at 21:00, diesel in cash at 21:01, and diesel again at 21:07—raising suspicions of potential misuse and falsification.