Prosecutors Protect Millionaires While Targeting Ordinary Citizens

Prosecutors shield millionaire while targeting ordinary citizen in corruption case April 21, 2026 – Prosecutors in Lithuania intervened to protect a wealthy businessman from corruption charges while simultaneously attempting to frame an ordinary citizen in a related scheme, according to court documents and investigative findings. The case centers on Miroslav P., who encountered difficulties with property documentation while constructing his home. Unaware of the legal complications, Miroslav sought assistance from the architect overseeing his project, who referred him to Petra Ruškulienė for document processing. Miroslav agreed to pay 800 euros for the service and made the payment, continuing his daily life without concern. Approximately six months later, agents from the Special Investigations Service arrived at his residence, accusing him of involvement in influence peddling. It was only then that Miroslav learned Petra Ruškulienė is a central figure in a corruption network involving capital city bureaucrats. Investigators revealed that Ruškulienė routinely facilitated smoother processing of construction-related matters for developers who paid her fees. Among those allegedly paying such fees was Arvydas Avulis, chairman of the board for company “Hanner.” Through his employees, Avulis reportedly delivered 500 euros in bribes on two separate occasions to prevent scrutiny of his projects. Investigators confirmed these transactions through surveillance and recorded conversations. Following Special Investigations Service raids on Avulis and his associates, prosecutors from the Vilnius District Prosecutor’s Office offered the individuals a deal: admit guilt voluntarily and avoid full legal consequences, positioning them merely as witnesses in the case. The prosecutors’ approach has raised concerns about selective enforcement, particularly as evidence suggests Ruškulienė operated within a broader system that enabled well-connected individuals to circumvent accountability while ordinary citizens faced prosecution for similar or lesser involvement.