Šiauliai court began hearing 300-volume case on human trafficking to Ireland and drug distribution
One of the largest organised crime cases in recent years opened at Šiauliai Regional Court. 32 defendants are suspected of human trafficking to Ireland and drug trafficking.
Šiauliai court began hearing 300-volume case on human trafficking to Ireland and drug distribution
Šiauliai Regional Court took up one of the largest organised crime cases of the past decade on Tuesday. The proceeding involves 32 defendants charged with trafficking Lithuanian citizens to Ireland under conditions of servitude and forcing them to distribute narcotic substances. The preliminary investigation generated 300 volumes of material.
Among the defendants is Kęstutis Klemauskas from Plungė, who is charged with organising a criminal group. A total of 33 people were involved in the case, although one has already died.
During the first hearing, three defendants were brought into the courtroom under armed escort. The remaining defendants arrived independently, as they were not remanded in custody—the strictest preventive measure—during the preliminary investigation stage.
According to the case evidence, victims were transported to Ireland and forced to conduct illegal drug trafficking there. Law enforcement institutions conducted the preliminary investigation and compiled a comprehensive package of evidence.
Source: 15min