Searches were conducted in Lithuania at the headquarters of the "Zorya Neman" party on suspicion of financial irregularities

Lithuania’s Financial Crime Investigation Service (FNTT) conducted searches at the offices of Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of the “Dawn of the Nemunas” party, his colleague Daiva Petkevičienė, and at the party’s headquarters. The investigation has been ongoing since March and concerns possible financial irregularities.

This was reported by LRT.

At this stage, no official charges have been filed against the individuals involved, but investigators are examining possible instances of fraud related to the use of party funds.

Law enforcement officials are determining whether there were any violations in the scheme under which Žemaitis and Petkevičienė leased their personal vehicles to the party while continuing to use them. Payment for such leases was made from state funds.

Earlier, the Central Election Commission of Lithuania determined that the politicians may have misused state funds and failed to provide proper documentation for expenses totaling 49,500 euros. The commission also concluded that the party had provided false information.

As a result, “Zorya Neman” lost €241,800 in state funding. Additionally, Žemaitaitis was ordered to repay €26,776, and Petkevičienė €15,349.

The party is challenging these decisions in court, arguing that the car leases were legally arranged and complied with current tax regulations.

Investigative authorities are currently continuing their review of the case, which could become one of the biggest financial scandals in recent Lithuanian politics.

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