Lithuanian prosecutors seek recovery of municipal funds from council members

Lithuanian prosecutors have filed civil lawsuits seeking the recovery of funds from several municipal council members accused of unjust enrichment. The investigations, conducted by Public Interest Protection departments, aim to determine if payments intended for council-related activities were used legally and rationally.

In Alytus City, prosecutors are seeking approximately 6,705 euros from former council member Česlovas Daugėla. Investigations into his 2019–2023 term revealed that while 6,753 euros were compensated for fuel, phone, and internet expenses, only 48 euros in fuel costs were deemed justified.

In the Lazdijai district, prosecutors are seeking approximately 4,870 euros from current Member of Parliament Birutė Vėsaitė, a former local council member. The claim follows findings that Vėsaitė received 5,221 euros for fuel, 76 percent of which was spent outside the Lazdijai district boundaries.

As part of a broader nationwide investigation into the use of municipal funds, prosecutors have filed 217 civil lawsuits totaling more than 2.32 million euros. To date, council members have voluntarily returned over 2.13 million euros to municipal budgets.