Feb 10 • 17:08 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

Before searches at work and home – S. Skvernelis' meeting with STT head L. Pernavas at the event

A meeting took place between S. Skvernelis and STT head L. Pernavas on the same day that Skvernelis was to be questioned in a corruption investigation involving the State Plant Protection Service.

A significant meeting occurred involving S. Skvernelis, a member of the Lithuanian parliament, and L. Pernavas, the head of the Special Investigation Service (STT), coinciding with an active corruption investigation into the State Plant Protection Service. This timing raises questions as Skvernelis is set to be interviewed regarding the alleged corruption, which has previously led to substantial arrests, including 13 individuals last December. The prosecutor for the case, Artūras Urbelis, confirmed the involvement of Skvernelis and another parliament member, K. Starkevičius, as special witnesses in the ongoing investigation.

Participants in the meeting have denied that any discussions regarding the ongoing corruption case took place. Such denials come amidst serious allegations against the State Plant Protection Service, where officials are suspected of soliciting bribes from companies involved in plant and agricultural product transport. The situation is exacerbated by the recent searches conducted at the parliament members' workplaces and residences, indicating the seriousness and breadth of the investigation. This reflects an escalating concern within Lithuania regarding corruption at high levels within public institutions.

The implications of this meeting and the surrounding investigation are profound, as they touch on the integrity of parliamentary members and the public's trust in governmental institutions. Furthermore, with previous arrests and the investigation's scale attracting media attention, this case could serve as a pivotal moment in Lithuania's struggle against corruption, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and reforms within public service operations. The outcomes may catalyze further investigations and calls for accountability from officials, particularly in corruption-sensitive sectors like agriculture and public health.

📡 Similar Coverage