Fraud Allegations and Asset Freezes
Lithuanian prosecutors have launched a major investigation into Viktor Uspaskich, a former Member of the European Parliament (MEP), over allegations of fraudulent payments exceeding €500,000. The investigation has led to searches of Uspaskich’s homes and workplaces, and authorities have imposed significant restrictions on his assets to safeguard potential compensation for the EU budget if misconduct is proven.
Charges and Denials
Uspaskich faces serious charges, including abuse of office, document falsification, illegal possession of electronic documents, and acquiring high-value foreign assets. He has firmly denied these allegations, labeling them as unfounded. Despite being notified of the investigation, Uspaskich has yet to meet with law enforcement to address the claims.
Investigation Details and Previous Cases
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has been meticulous in its investigation, previously focusing on a parliamentary staffer suspected of document forgery and other fraudulent activities. Uspaskich’s case has escalated as the EPPO conducts extensive searches and places restrictions on property rights to prevent further financial loss.
Uspaskich’s Political and Financial Background
During his term, Uspaskich was the sole MEP for Lithuania’s Labour Party and was known for significant outside income, primarily from his company Edvervita, which has substantial property interests in Russia. He was expelled from the Renew Europe coalition in 2021 over homophobic comments and is no longer an MEP following the 2024 elections.
EPPO’s Approach and Previous Cases
The EPPO, tasked with investigating crimes involving EU financial interests, has not disclosed further details during the ongoing pre-trial investigation. Previous notable cases include the seizure of €170,000 from Italian MEP Stefania Zambelli and her assistants in 2023, and a similar ruling involving Marine Le Pen in 2019. Uspaskich has not yet responded to media inquiries regarding the case.
SOURCE: Ref Image from LRT
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