Lithuanian rally driver and event organiser Benediktas Vanagas has been named a suspect in a European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) investigation into the alleged fraudulent acquisition of €150,000 in EU funds, the news portal 15min reported Friday.
According to the report, Vanagas, another individual, and his public institution, the National Automobile Club, are suspected of working together as a group to unlawfully obtain the funding.
Authorities allege that the funds were acquired through an intermediary – a company called Gerdista, registered in Lithuania’s Vilnius District.
European delegated prosecutor Darius Karčinskas told 15min that the investigation, launched in 2023, focuses on EU support received by Vanagas between 2021 and 2022.
Vanagas has been charged under Article 207, Part 2 of Lithuania’s Criminal Code, which deals with fraudulently obtained targeted support, subsidies or grants.
Speaking to 15min, Vanagas did not deny the allegations but said he would respond in more detail after consulting with his lawyers. He described the matter as “a long, stupid story”.
Gerdista’s sole shareholder and CEO, Goda Mankutė, declined to comment when asked whether she had also been named a suspect. She ended the conversation with the reporter.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
