Antonovas to Face Trial in 'Snoras' Case

V. Antonovas, a former executive of the now-defunct "Snoras" bank, will remain detained until his conviction in the "Snoras" criminal case is finalized, according to Venta Valčackienė, a spokesperson for the Court of Appeal. Antonovas was brought to Lithuania from France on May 22, after the French Court of Cassation rejected his appeal against extradition on May 13, thereby upholding a Rennes appellate court's April 3 decision.

Lithuanian prosecutors had announced Antonovas's arrest in France in December of the previous year, following his initial sentencing in absentia in Lithuania in November. He had been sought since 2011. The Vilnius Regional Court had previously found Antonovas and another former "Snoras" executive, Raimondas Baranauskas, guilty of all charges and sentenced them to over 10 years of real imprisonment. The General Prosecutor's Office stated that 105 million euros were confiscated from them jointly for the benefit of the state.

Antonovas was found guilty of eight crimes, including the misappropriation of over 509 million euros in "Snoras" assets, embezzlement of valuable property, criminal bankruptcy, and the legalization of proceeds from criminal activity. He was also convicted of fraudulent accounting, abuse of official position for personal gain, falsifying documents related to bank securities held in foreign banks, and using those forged documents. The "Snoras" bank was declared bankrupt and liquidated on November 16, 2011. Lithuanian law permits in absentia trials if an individual is evading justice.

The case is currently under appeal. Four appeals have been filed concerning the former bank executives. Two of these appeals relate to Antonovas and Baranauskas, while the other two concern different parties involved in the proceedings. The Court of Appeal is scheduled to attempt to hear the case again on Monday, with Antonovas expected to be present. Baranauskas is reportedly in Russia, and attempts to serve him with legal documents for the court proceedings have been unsuccessful. His defense lawyer is requesting the annulment of his client's conviction.

Antonovas has also filed an appeal, seeking his acquittal. Russia has informed the Lithuanian General Prosecutor's Office that Baranauskas has been granted refugee status, while Antonovas is a Russian citizen. The appeal court had previously attempted to open the case but was unable to proceed due to factors including lawyers' schedules.