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(Luxembourg, 29 August 2024) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Vilnius (Lithuania) expands its investigation into a former assistant of a Lithuanian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) to the MEP himself. The former MEP is now officially suspected of abuse of office, falsification and use of false documents, illegal acquisition, possession and use of an electronic document, as well as the acquisition of high value foreign assets.
As previously reported, the investigation initially focused on the suspected non-performance or imitation of the actual duties of a parliamentary assistant, with the intent of fraudulently obtaining remuneration between 2014 and 2019, and unemployment benefits from 2019 to 2020. The potential damage to the financial interests of the EU exceeds half a million euros.
During the pre-trial investigation, searches were conducted at the homes and former workplaces of the suspects earlier this year. The EPPO office in Brussels (Belgium) and other EU institutions provided further evidence, and participants in the proceedings were questioned.
At this stage of the pre-trial investigation, two individuals are under suspicion, with precautionary measures imposed, including written commitments not to leave the country and the seizure of personal documents. Additionally, the European Delegated Prosecutor has implemented large-scale temporary restrictions on property rights to ensure potential damage compensation.
The pre-trial investigation is still ongoing and in order not to endanger its outcome, no further details can be disclosed at this time.
In accordance with the presumption of innocence, persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.