Title: Lithuania: 27 Arrested in €750,000 Young Farmers’ Funds Fraud Probe

Sub-heading: European Public Prosecutor’s Office reports major financial crime case

Lithuanian authorities have announced the arrest of 27 individuals suspected of involvement in a fraud scheme concerning approximately €750,000 of European Union (EU) funds intended for young farmers. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) reported on this significant development.

Investigation and allegations

• The investigation was launched in July 2020¹
• The suspects were detained in various parts of Lithuania¹
• They are accused of embezzlement and money laundering¹
• The individuals are believed to have exploited loopholes in the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy¹ to obtain the illicit funds

European Public Prosecutor’s Office involvement

• EPPO stated it would continue to collaborate closely with its Lithuanian counterparts¹
• This collaboration is part of a broader effort by EPPO to address financial crimes and ensure the proper administration and utilization of EU funds

Significance of the arrests

• The arrests demonstrate the importance of robust investigative work and international cooperation¹
• EPPO’s commitment to pursuing such cases reinforces its role as an essential component of European efforts to safeguard the integrity of EU finances and maintain trust in the democratic system