Donatas Škarnulis nominated as permanent head of Lithuania's VSAT

Lithuanian Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas has announced his intention to submit Donatas Škarnulis as the permanent head of the State Border Guard Service (VSAT) to the Government. Škarnulis has been serving as the interim leader since August 20, 2024, following the resignation of Rustamas Liubajevas.

Škarnulis is a career officer who has been within the internal affairs system since 2000, having worked in the State Security Department and various criminal investigation divisions within VSAT. Minister Katelynas emphasized that Škarnulis is a leader “grown from within” the service, which he believes will aid in modernization and anti-corruption efforts.

Addressing recent incidents where VSAT officers were detained for smuggling, Katelynas stated that such cases do not indicate systemic corruption, but rather demonstrate the service’s ability to “cleanse itself from within” through its own criminal intelligence and immunity. The Minister also expressed hope that a new permanent leader would be accompanied by a refreshed deputy team.