Eight former and current councillors face expense claim allegations

Authorities have brought allegations against eight current and former municipal councillors in cases involving expense claims, LRT reported, citing a joint statement from the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Special Investigation Service (STT). The alleged offences include embezzlement, abuse of office and falsifying or handling forged documents.

In Jonava District, current councillor Marijona Širvelienė is suspected of submitting expense advance reports for 2019 to 2023 that allegedly contained false information about transport costs. Authorities estimate the resulting damage to the municipal administration at 14,432 euros.

Former Jonava District councillor Andrejus Štombergas is suspected of submitting similar reports for 2019 to 2023, allegedly causing 14,233 euros in damage. Former councillor Gintautas Brukas is suspected of the same conduct during that period, with alleged damage estimated at 1,764 euros.

In Kalvarija, former councillor Vytautas Šunskis is suspected of reporting fuel costs that did not reflect actual expenses during 2019 to 2023. The alleged damage is 1,247 euros. Former councillor Juozas Švedas is suspected of submitting false fuel expense reports for 2021 to 2023, with alleged damage estimated at 3,731 euros.

In Kaišiadorys District, councillor Laima Rudienė is suspected of including false information about transport costs in reports on her council activities for 2019 to 2023. Authorities estimate the alleged damage at 3,686 euros. Former councillor Marijonas Mitkus is suspected of similar conduct from 2019 to 2021, with alleged damage of 703 euros.

In Prienai District, former councillor Vytas Bujanauskas is suspected of submitting advance reports for 2019 to 2023 that allegedly contained false information about fuel expenses. The alleged damage to the municipal administration is 1,239 euros.

The authorities said the allegations relate to the councillors’ handling of public funds and expense documentation.