A recent investigation has uncovered that the children of Jurijs Čižs, a prominent oligarch linked to Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, were granted Lithuanian citizenship years ago without sufficient background checks by the Lithuanian State Security Department. The citizenship process typically requires evaluation by security services, but it seems that no risks were identified in their cases. This revelation raises significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of security protocols in citizenship grants, especially in cases involving individuals related to sanctioned individuals.

Yuri Čižs was once a key player in Lukashenko's regime, but following the imposition of EU sanctions in 2012, he lost support from the Belarusian president. His two sons, Vladimir and Sergej, received their Lithuanian citizenship one year after the sanctions were imposed, a detail that raises questions about the prioritization of heritage in citizenship applications that may overlook current political contexts and security implications. The Lithuanian Migration Department has stated that citizenship was granted because their paternal grandmother was a citizen of Lithuania until 1940, which complicates the issue by intertwining historical citizenship rights with contemporary political realities.

The circumstances surrounding this citizenship matter have gained public attention only after the two brothers renounced their Lithuanian citizenship last year. Neither of them responded to inquiries about the citizenship process, leaving many speculating on the motivations behind their initial citizenship application and subsequent renunciation. This case reflects broader issues of governance and oversight in the EU regarding foreign influence and the vetting of individuals with ties to controversial regimes, especially in light of ongoing tensions between Europe and Belarus.