Corruption scandal in Lithuanian military: bribes of 50 to 600 euros to avoid conscription

Lithuanian authorities are investigating a corruption scheme in the military where bribes of 50 to 600 euros were allegedly paid to avoid mandatory conscription, LRT.lt reports.

A pre-trial investigation is underway into suspected corrupt activities linked to mandatory military service. Prosecutors allege that a soldier in the Šiauliai Regional Military Commissariat accepted bribes to exclude conscripts from service, with more than 200 individuals potentially involved between 2022 and January 2026.

Artūras Karpalovas, a prosecutor from the Šiauliai District Prosecutor’s Office, stated that the soldier—responsible for managing conscript data—acted with at least six other individuals who identified people willing to pay to avoid service. Seven people, including two military personnel and five civilians, have been formally suspected.

Bribe amounts varied, with some paying as little as 50 euros while others paid up to 600 euros. The total was divided among the soldier, intermediaries, and others involved in the scheme, Karpalovas explained.

Most suspects have reportedly admitted partial guilt and are cooperating. The investigation began after colleagues reported the alleged corruption. The soldier in question had served for about eight years and was previously rated as performing well or very well. He has since been suspended from duty.

Algirdas Chormanskis, head of the Šiauliai Pre-Trial Investigation Division of the Military Police, condemned the alleged actions as a severe violation of both the law and the core values of the Lithuanian military. He praised the whistleblowers for their integrity and prompt reporting.

Investigators have conducted over 14 searches, seizing more than 30 mobile phones, computers, watches, and documents as part of the probe.