Civil claims against eight Alytaus and Lazdijai politicians for more than 50,000 euros
The Prosecutor's Office is demanding that eight municipal council members return more than 50,000 euros in unjustified compensation payments.
Prosecutor's Office files claims against Alytaus and Lazdijai politicians for unjustified enrichment
The Panevėžys Regional Prosecutor's Office has filed civil lawsuits against eight municipal council members from Alytaus city and Lazdijai district municipalities, seeking to recover potentially unjustified compensation payments. According to LRT, the General Prosecutor's Office confirmed on Friday that the total sum sought exceeds 50,000 euros.
Valdas Račkauskas: almost 6,500 euros
Almost 6,500 euros are being sought from current Alytaus city council member Valdas Račkauskas. According to the investigation, during the 2019–2023 term, he received almost 7,000 euros in compensation from the municipal budget for transport, office supplies, telephone and internet expenses. Of 46 submitted VAT invoices for telephone and internet services totalling almost 1,800 euros, only expenses valued at 357 euros were deemed justified. The main portion – 5,100 euros – consisted of fuel expenses, which are also considered unjustified, taking into account actual participation in meetings and distances travelled.
Laima Vincė Kirkliauskienė: more than 6,100 euros
More than 6,100 euros are being sought from current Alytaus council member Laima Vincė Kirkliauskienė. During the same term, she received more than 7,000 euros in compensation. Of 49 reports on mobile service payments totalling more than 2,500 euros, only expenses valued at 205 euros were deemed justified.
Laura Radževiičiūtė: more than 5,500 euros
The Prosecutor's Office is seeking to recover more than 5,500 euros from former Alytaus city council member Laura Radževiičiūtė. During the previous term, she received 11,900 euros from the budget as compensation for transport, office supplies and office rental expenses. During the investigation, it was found that of almost 5,000 euros compensated as fuel expenses, only 3 euros and 65 cents were deemed justified. The Prosecutor's Office notes that the politician purchased fuel even during quarantine periods when work was conducted remotely, and she had declared her residence just 200 metres from the municipality building during her term. Additionally, 456 euros were unjustifiably paid for communications services and school supplies.
Valė Gibienė: more than 4,100 euros
More than 4,100 euros are being sought from former Alytaus city council member Valė Gibienė. During her term, according to reports she submitted, more than 4,500 euros were compensated – 227 euros for office supplies, with the remaining amount for fuel. According to the Prosecutor's Office assessment, given that the politician lives just five kilometres from the municipality building and fuel was purchased even during quarantine, only 153 euros in fuel expenses can be considered justified.
Valerijus Vencius: almost 6,500 euros
Almost 6,500 euros are being sought to be recovered from current Alytaus city council member Valerijus Vencius. According to the investigation, during the previous term he received 6,900 euros from the budget for communications services and fuel. It was established that at least 962 euros were unjustifiably paid for communications services – payments were made for another number, MMS messages and a mobile signature fee. The Prosecutor's Office also notes that the politician purchased fuel during quarantine and in other districts, with different types of fuel purchased daily or every other day. The claim particularly draws attention to a receipt for 26 litres of petrol purchased in Vilnius on 23 April 2023 at 23:58 – just a few hours before the council member's mandate ended. The prosecutor regards this instance as a clear attempt to unjustifiably enrich himself using municipal funds.
Skaistė Ulčickaitė: 6,700 euros
6,700 euros are being sought to be recovered from former Alytaus city council member Skaistė Ulčickaitė into the municipal budget. The claim states that during the previous term she received 6,031 euros in compensation as fuel expenses; however, during the investigation, justified fuel expenses were found to constitute only part of this sum.
All claims are related to the so-called "receipts case" – a broader pre-trial investigation in which the Prosecutor's Office analysed whether municipal council members legitimately received compensation for activities performed in their positions. Claims were also filed against one Lazdijai district municipal council member; however, the Prosecutor's Office has not yet released more detailed information about this person.
Source: LRT