A Lithuanian court on Thursday sentenced an 83-year-old dual citizen to eight and a half years in prison for spying on behalf of Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU.
Eduardas Manovas, who holds both Lithuanian and Russian citizenship, was convicted by the Šiauliai Regional Court after partially admitting guilt. He acknowledged sending non-classified information, though he claimed it was not intended for intelligence agents.
His defence attorney requested acquittal, citing the lack of evidence that sensitive material had been handed over to hostile intelligence services. However, prosecutor Redas Savickas argued that sufficient evidence was collected and sought a nine-year prison term.
Manovas was arrested in January 2024, but news of the operation was withheld until year’s end to protect the pretrial investigation. The revelation sparked controversy as Manovas was a long-time member of the conservative Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) and served on the council of a local branch of the Lithuanian Union of Political Prisoners and Deportees.
Known as polite and active, Manovas was often seen photographing party events and was regarded as the unofficial chronicler of TS-LKD’s Šiauliai chapter. Despite his involvement with exile groups, some distanced themselves from him due to his high military rank during the Soviet era and his open visits to relatives in Russia.
Authorities said Manovas collected and passed information to the GRU on Lithuanian political and economic affairs, party activities, national defence capabilities, NATO consultations, military procurement, and support for Ukraine. While not classified, officials said the information was sensitive and valuable to Russian intelligence.
Investigators found that he began cooperating with Russian agents by 2018. Though he exercised caution, searches during his arrest uncovered incriminating evidence. Manovas allegedly received payment for his activities.
Following his arrest, Manovas cited deteriorating health and requested release, claiming he was nearly blind. Courts denied the motion, fearing he could flee. The head of Lithuania’s State Security Department, Darius Jauniškis, dismissed his health claims, calling them an act by a highly trained intelligence officer.
Manovas was absent when the verdict was announced, citing poor health as the reason.
Lithuanian intelligence services identified him as part of the GRU’s “illegals” program, in which agents live under deep cover abroad. Posing as a deportee affected by Soviet repression, Manovas embedded himself in exile communities and political circles – until his exposure led to his expulsion from both.
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