50 probes into sanction violations underway in Lithuania – top prosecutor

VILNIUS – Over 50 pre-trial investigations into attempts to violate the existing international sanctions are under way in Lithuania, Prosecutor General Nida Grunskiene says.

One arms smuggling case has already been referred to court, she said on Tuesday.

"If I am not mistaken, there are currently over 50 pre-trial investigations (on sanction violations - BNS). I know that rulings have been issues in several cases. The process is ongoing, we have enough pre-trial investigations," Grunskiene told reporters at the Seimas on Tuesday.

"There is one case on arms smuggling, if I'm not mistaken, referred to court," the prosecutor general added. 

"Various entities", Grunskiene said when asked whether the cases had to do with Lithuanian companies.

The Financial Crime Investigation Service said on Tuesday that seven people and four companies were suspected of violating the existing international sanctions and smuggling almost 2 million euros worth of goods to Russia. 

Last week, the Lithuanian Customs said it had fined a Lithuanian company exporting cars 13.6 million euros for violating the existing international sanctions. Several sources later told BNS Biovarda, a Vilnius-based company, was the fined company.