Plant service corruption case now has 17 suspects

There are now 17 suspects in a possible corruption case involving Lithuania’s State Plant Service, up from 16 in early July, LRT reported, citing the 15min news portal.

“There are currently 17 suspects,” General Prosecutor’s Office representative Rita Stundienė told 15min on Friday.

Stundienė said an electronic ankle monitor was imposed on Seimas member and former prime minister Saulius Skvernelis on July 1. His enhanced supervision has been extended until October 2.

BNS reported that Skvernelis has been suspected of bribery. Law enforcement agencies say they have grounds to suspect that, while serving as speaker of the Seimas, he accepted at least 51,000 euros in cash bribes on several occasions in exchange for political support in decisions related to the State Plant Service’s activities.

Suspicions have also been brought against former Seimas member and Conservative politician Kazys Starkevičius, as well as several other people.