Lithuanian authorities have launched investigations targeting two prominent political figures, former Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis and former Agriculture Minister Kazimieras Starkevičius, amid allegations of corruption within the State Plant Service (SPS) under the Ministry of Agriculture. The investigations, confirmed by the Special Investigation Service (STT), center on suspicions that bribes were accepted in exchange for phytosanitary certificates, essential for importing plants and plant products into Lithuania.
The SPS is accused of accepting 1.5 million euros in bribes from companies importing goods, such as tulips from the Netherlands, requiring certification to ensure they are disease-free and do not pose a threat to Lithuanian agriculture. According to prosecutors, the alleged scheme involved facilitating the import process in exchange for illicit payments.
The connection between Skvernelis and Starkevičius stems from the appointments of key individuals within the SPS. Jurijus Kornijenka, the SPS director currently under suspicion, was appointed to his position by Starkevičius during his tenure as Minister of Agriculture. Agnė Silickienė, an SPS advisor also implicated in the alleged corruption, previously served as an advisor to Skvernelis in the Seimas (Lithuanian Parliament) and was nominated by the Democrats “For Lithuania” party for a position on the Central Electoral Commission.
Artūras Urbelis, Chief Prosecutor of the Organized Crime and Corruption Investigation Department of the General Prosecutor’s Office, stated that investigators are exploring the possibility of “political favor” enabling the alleged corruption scheme. This suggests authorities are examining whether Skvernelis and Starkevičius may have facilitated or protected the illicit activities.
Raids were conducted on December 13, 2025, resulting in the detention of 14 suspects, six of whom were remanded in custody. The searches uncovered a range of contraband, including gold, cash, cocaine, contraband cigarettes, grenades, and large quantities of alcohol. However, searches targeting Skvernelis and Starkevičius were not carried out until February 9, 2026, a delay that has drawn criticism. Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania, affirmed that the searches were justified, characterizing them as a procedural requirement.
The investigations represent a significant political blow to both Skvernelis and Starkevičius. For Skvernelis, the allegations pose a threat to his leadership of the Democrats “For Lithuania” party, with some suggesting his political opponents will exploit the situation. Laurynas Kasčiūnas, leader of the Conservative Party, has already called for Skvernelis to suspend his party membership. Juozas Olekas, Speaker of the Seimas, stated that the entire parliament has suffered reputational damage.
Skvernelis has publicly maintained his innocence, stating, “I am calm. I have not committed any criminal act. The services are doing their job. Let’s not start talking about some kind of political settlement. (The officers) are doing their job and I respect that perform, and in a rule of law state we will have to defend ourselves by legal means.” He deliberately avoided accusations of a politically motivated attack, a tactic consistent with his background as a former police commissioner, Minister of the Interior, Prime Minister, and Speaker of the Seimas.
Despite his public composure, sources suggest Skvernelis is privately concerned about the possibility of planted evidence, a tactic reportedly used in previous investigations in Lithuania. The SPS also has a history of internal corruption concerns; Kornijenka previously held a position responsible for corruption prevention within the Ministry of Agriculture.
As of February 15, 2026, the STT has not announced any further arrests or specific findings related to the alleged involvement of Skvernelis and Starkevičius. The investigation remains ongoing.
