Investigation into €136,000 CAP money fraud in Lithuania

Four individuals were detained on Wednesday 13 August over alleged Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) money fraud in Lithuania.

A criminal investigation into an alleged €136,000 fraud involving EU rural development funds is being led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and carried out by the Financial Crime Investigation Service (Finansiniu nusikaltimu tyrimo tarnyba – FNTT).

The ongoing investigation concerns suspected subsidy fraud and forgery of documents, in which a company is alleged to have deceptively obtained €136,000 from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

The case also involves suspicions of bribery and indications that the offences may have been committed by an organised group.

Searches

On Wednesday, FNTT officers carried out at least 10 searches in Vilnius, Klaipeda and other regions of Lithuania, targeting suspects’ residences, business premises and vehicles. Documents and other items were seized.

Four individuals were detained during the searches. They have been informed of the suspicions against them and the competent authorities are considering the imposition of precautionary measures.

All persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the Lithuanian courts 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.