Lithuanian law enforcement has uncovered a criminal network through which high-tech equipment, developed using European Union financial aid, could have been supplied to the military industries of Russia and Belarus, as reported by LRT.
According to investigators in Vilnius, the main theory is the illegal export of products intended for navigation and satellite systems, in the interests of the military-industrial complexes of the aggressor states.
According to Daugilas Razauskas, head of the Financial Crime Investigation Department, the equipment was produced at Lithuanian enterprises, but these companies were effectively run by Russian and Belarusian citizens who were detained last week. Lithuanian citizens were also part of the criminal group.
“Searches were conducted at Lithuanian enterprises to locate various microchips, processors, and other high-tech equipment, as the companies operating in Lithuania were engaged in this activity but were effectively run by the detained individuals — citizens of Belarus and Russia,” Razauskas said.
At present, official charges have been filed against five individuals and one company. As part of a large-scale investigation, law enforcement conducted more than ten searches across different cities, targeting the suspects’ homes, offices, production facilities, and vehicles. The purpose of the operations was to locate microchips, processors, and other high-tech components that could be used for military purposes.
Investigators emphasize that the firms involved had received EU grants and support but were recognized as posing a direct threat to Lithuania’s national security. Prosecutor Darius Karcinskas confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that authorities intend to thoroughly examine all supply chains of products created with European funds, circumventing existing sanctions and restrictions.
