Member of staff of Lithuanian Air Navigation has been accused of spying for Belarus. A second person, also suspected of spying, is still under investigation.
Member of staff of Lithuanian Air Navigation has been accused of spying for Belarus. A second person, also suspected of spying, is still under investigation.
In a case handed over to court on Monday, the first of the suspects is accused of having spied against the Republic of Lithuania by carrying out tasks ordered by the Belarusian special services.
The Prosecutor General's Office said in a statement that the suspect, who at the time worked for Lithuanian Air Navigation used to secretly make photos of documents and other objects, and handed over the information to the Chief Intelligence Board of the Belarusian Armed Forces' General Staff.
The person is suspected of having collected information about Lithuanian army, its divisions, state companies of strategic importance for Lithuania's national security, their activities and infrastructure.
The suspect was detained around a year ago and has been in custody ever since. His identity has not been disclosed. He has been charged with spying and is facing up to 15 years in prison.
The law enforcement has not so far provided more information about the second suspect as he is still under investigation.
The entire counter-intelligence operation took almost three years. Lithuanian authorities did not comment on how much information the suspects have managed to hand over to Belarus.
SHOTLIST
Soundbite (Lithuanian)
ROLANDAS KIŠKIS, Chief of Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau
I will give you an example. It was noticed that a suspect in his office behind closed doors spent hours with the documents regarding plans gathered, and then took copies with photo camera. We have established this during our investigation.
Soundbite (Lithuanian)
GEDIMINAS GRINA, Director of Lithuanian State Security Department
As we talk about critical infrastructure, even a small piece of information gathered and used within a broader context, could become key intelligence gathering for other countries. In our opinion, it is very important that when it comes to critical infrastructures, every piece of information could be used against Lithuania.
Soundbite (Lithuanian)
DARIUS RAULUŠAITIS, Deputy Prosecutor General
Director wants to emphasize that it is likely that information possessed by Belorussian special agencies could be transmitted to the Russian special agencies.
Archive 2012, vs from Lithuanian Air Navigation Centre
