Judge: Skvernelis given ankle monitor for systematic contact with co-accused

A Kaunas court has upheld the use of an ankle monitor for MP Saulius Skvernelis after ruling he systematically communicated with another suspect in a corruption case, the head of the Kaunas Regional Court’s Criminal Cases Division, Algirdas Giedraitis, said on Monday.

Speaking to journalists, Giedraitis confirmed that violations were established, including “systematic, not one-off” contact with a co-accused. The court had previously imposed written restrictions on Skvernelis, including a ban on communicating with other suspects, which the politician breached.

The ankle monitor, applied in July, is intended to prevent further contact with co-accused individuals. “It is constant monitoring of the person’s location. I believe this measure is sufficiently effective to prevent such communication,” Giedraitis said.

Skvernelis had appealed the measure to the Vilnius Regional Court, arguing it hindered his professional activities, but the higher court rejected the complaint, deeming the restriction proportional and appropriate.

Giedraitis noted that the ankle monitor was temporarily removed last week to allow Skvernelis to travel abroad, following a request approved by the Prosecutor General’s Office. He did not specify when the monitor would be reapplied, stating that police would handle the timing.

Skvernelis has described the ankle monitor as an excessive measure but acknowledged formally violating prior restrictions on communication. His former advisor, Agne Silickiene, is also a suspect in the case, accused of participating in a criminal organisation, accepting bribes, and possibly acting as an intermediary in passing money to the politician.

The case involves allegations that Skvernelis received at least €51,000 in cash bribes in exchange for political favours. Prosecutors estimate the total bribes in the case may exceed €1.1 million.