The pre-trial investigation into possible illegal actions related to the purchase of high-value coronavirus (COVID-19) reagents is conducted by the Vilnius Department of the Special Investigation Service (hereinafter – STT).
Based on the currently available data, Šarūnas Narbutas, the president of the Lithuanian Cancer Patient Coalition (POLA), is suspected in trade of influence.
Searches, seizures, interrogations and other necessary actions of the process took place in various locations of Vilnius on Tuesday.
Š. Narbutas is suspected of acting as an informal intermediary between a foreign company and Lithuania's authorities that were scrambling to purchase a large amount of reagents after the coronavirus pandemic hit in March, according to the available evidence. There is also evidence that the suspect allegedly told the company's representative how much money he was supposed to be paid for his intermediation in the procurement.
During investigation, it was found that more than 300,000 euros were transferred in several transactions into Narbutas' personal account after the procurement procedure was completed.
The pre-trial investigation is under control and direction of the Organised Crime and Corruption Investigation Department of the General Prosecutor's Office.
