Central Investigation Department of the Special Investigation Service (STT) is conducting a pre-trial investigation, led by the prosecutor of the Organised Crime and Corruption Investigation Department of the General Prosecutor's Office, regarding the case of foreign bribery in Lithuania. Suspicions regarding an attempt to bribe the project manager of a subsidiary of an Estonian state-owned company operating in Lithuania, a person equivalent to a civil servant, were brought against a Polish citizen representing a Polish company. Officials from Lithuania, Estonia and Poland are cooperating closely in this pre-trial investigation.
"The STT, as an active member of international organisations and anti-corruption networks, has included foreign bribery investigations in the priorities of criminal prosecution. Such investigations are important at the level of the entire country, and Lithuania's reputation as a transparent country depends on it. Therefore, we actively communicate with both foreign and Lithuanian partners, increase the competences of investigators and carry out anti-corruption awareness raising activities, reminding that reports are particularly important for the success of detection and investigation of criminal acts of a corrupt nature. This case of foreign bribery, where the bribe was not only refused, but also reported to the STT, is an excellent example of the principles of transparency," said Linas Pernavas, Director of the STT.
Initial investigation data suggests that a Polish citizen, representing a Polish company, offered EUR 100,000 bribe to the project manager of “Enefit Green”, Ltd, which develops energy projects in Lithuania.
It is suspected that a bribe was offered for the fact that the suspect represents a company participating in the tender for the construction of wind power parks in the Kelmė district and submitting proposal worth more than EUR 100 million, would be recognised as the winner of this tender.
According to the pre-trial investigation, allegedly handing over a part of the proposed high-value bribe, the suspect asked for approval for additional works in the above-mentioned project, moreover for inside information about the projects and sought favour for the represented company in the future.
The pre-trial investigation was initiated after the Estonian state-owned company “Enefit Green AS”, Ltd received a report from “Enefit Green”, Ltd, a subsidiary company in Lithuania, regarding the alleged misconduct of one of the tender participants in the procurement of wind power plants.
A Polish citizen suspected of attempted bribery was arrested, he was remanded with a written promise not to leave the country and deposit.
