The smuggling king involved in the investigation against Skvernelis and Starkevičius is still in custody
The investigation involving suspects including political figures Skvernelis and Starkevičius has led to the continued detention of smuggling suspect Marijanas Taraškevičius amid corruption inquiries.
At the beginning of this week, the Special Investigation Service (STT) conducted searches at the homes of democratic leader Saulius Skvernelis and conservative Kazys Starkevičius. Prosecutor Artūras Urbelis announced that there are 14 individuals implicated in the case; however, it remains undisclosed if one of them is Marijanas Taraškevičius. The situation surrounding this investigation highlights the intersection of political figures and criminal activities in Lithuania, especially concerning corruption.
Taraškevičius’s lawyer, G.Bukauskas, confirmed that his client was arrested in December during a separate corruption investigation involving the Agricultural Service. The initial two-month detention has now been extended for an additional three months, suggesting there are substantial concerns regarding the risk of him fleeing or committing further crimes. This extension reflects the judicial system's cautious approach in handling serious allegations that intertwine political and criminal elements.
The General Prosecutor's Office had previously stated that they could not disclose detailed information regarding the individuals involved in the investigation. This lack of transparency raises questions regarding the extent of the corruption probe and its potential implications for the political landscape in Lithuania. The case points to a worrying trend where political involvement and corruption allegations intertwine, calling into question the integrity of public officials and the criminal justice system's effectiveness in dealing with such issues.