Arvydas Avulis, the chairman of the board of real estate development company Hanner, admitted to making payments to a convicted felon in exchange for assurances that his projects would receive timely approvals from the National Public Health Centre (NVSC) in 2021, according to reports confirmed by multiple Lithuanian news outlets.
Avulis acknowledged to the Special Investigation Service (STT) that he made two payments of 500 euros each, totaling 1,000 euros, through intermediaries to Petras Ruškulis, a man convicted of 44 counts of corruption in Vilnius City Regional Court, 15min.lt reported. Ruškulis, according to the STT, leveraged connections with state officials to expedite building permits for two Hanner projects by preventing objections from the NVSC.
The payments were facilitated by Hanner employees Ernesta Railė and Ramūnas Banys, who contacted Ruškulis. Avulis told the STT that the NVSC was creating obstacles to project development through unclear stipulations, delayed responses, and a failure to coordinate documentation.
Despite the admission, Avulis, Railė, and Banys were not charged with any wrongdoing and remained classified as witnesses in the investigation. Ruškulis was the only individual to face legal consequences. Delfi.lt reported that Avulis initially denied making illegal payments.
Avulis has since characterized the payments as fees for consulting services, claiming the situation has been exaggerated. Lrytas.lt reported that Avulis stated the matter had been blown out of proportion, turning “a fly into an elephant.”
The STT initiated the investigation in November 2021, examining over 150 potential criminal acts involving more than 60 suspects, including six public servants. The investigation revealed a pattern of officials delaying decisions until bribes were offered, according to 15min.lt.
As of February 11, 2026, the NVSC has not issued a public statement regarding the allegations or the outcome of the investigation.
