Lithuania signs anti-corruption deal with regional agencies

VILNIUS - Lithuania’s Special Investigation Service has signed on Wednesday a memorandum of cooperation with the Estonian Internal Security Service, the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board, the Latvian Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau, and Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau and National Agency on Corruption Prevention.

The memorandum aims to create a regional, permanent operational platform to help protect European Union and national funds allocated for Ukraine’s reconstruction. The Polish Central Anti-Corruption Bureau will participate as an observer, the Special Investigation Service said.

The initiative stems from a high-level meeting of Baltic anti-corruption institutions last year, which Ukraine attended as a guest. Discussions focused on sharing experience, strengthening cooperation, and enhancing security and transparency across the region.

"Large-scale reconstruction projects always pose an increased risk of corruption and fraud, so declarations alone are not enough - concrete operational mechanisms are essential. This memorandum is a clear signal that the region’s anti-corruption institutions are working together in support of Ukraine," said Linas Pernavas, director of the Lithuanian Special Investigation Service.

The platform reflects the long-term financial and institutional commitment of the European Union and member states to Ukraine’s reconstruction, underscoring Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, and other regional states practical contribution to ensuring transparent and accountable use of aid funds.

"This memorandum reflects our shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in corruption prevention and combating corruption. NABU’s partnership with our Baltic colleagues is not only an exchange of expert knowledge but also a practical tool to strengthen accountability and institutional resilience," said Semen Kryvonos, director of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau.

Viktor Pavlushchyk, head of Ukraine’s National Agency on Corruption Prevention, said real-time data exchange would enable the prevention and dismantling of potential international corruption schemes.

Cooperation will include regular coordination meetings for investigators, analysts, and liaison officers, as well as the exchange of information and risk indicators related to European Union and national reconstruction funds, including public procurement, grants, subsidies, budget support, and other financing instruments.

Joint thematic seminars are planned to strengthen investigation methodologies, risk analysis, and transparency assurance systems. Close collaboration with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the European Anti-Fraud Office is also envisioned to ensure alignment with European Union level mechanisms and legal cooperation.