Paulauskas on arrested officers: 'If found guilty, they will be enemies'

Lithuanian Police Commissioner General Renatas Paulauskas has declared that any police officers found guilty of collaborating with criminals will be treated as enemies, not colleagues.

"I adhere to the principle of the presumption of innocence, but if they are found guilty, they will be enemies, not colleagues. We will maintain such a position in the future," Paulauskas stated during a podcast. He expressed his dismay that a small group of officers allegedly seeking easy money could discredit the entire police system, which he believes is comprised of 7,200 dedicated individuals risking their lives and health for modest pay.

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I adhere to the principle of the presumption of innocence, but if they are found guilty, they will be enemies, not colleagues. We will maintain such a position in the future.

Paulauskas confirmed that the investigation into criminal schemes involving law enforcement officers began early in the inquiry. "We are constantly in conversation with the leadership of the Criminal Police Bureau about what is happening. Quite early on, it was identified that a considerable number of police and State Border Guard Service (VSAT) officers were entangled in this," he explained. Evidence was gathered over time before the operation was executed last week.

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It hurts because there are 7,200 police officers in my opinion, dedicated to the state, who work every day risking their lives, health, fulfilling their duty, albeit for a rather small salary. And when a handful of those officers seek easy money by collaborating with criminals, the entire police system is discredited, although it should not be like that.

In total, over 60 people have been detained since December in connection with several contraband investigations. Currently, around 27 to 30 individuals remain in custody. The recent arrests of 10 police officers and 3 border guards were part of a later phase of these operations. Paulauskas noted that the involved officers are suspected of contributing to criminal activities.

The Criminal Police Bureau took the lead in these contraband cases, partly in response to incidents like the launching of balloons and the disruption of airports late last year, which caused significant public concern. The bureau, along with regional police units in Vilnius, Alytus, and Utena, mobilized substantial resources to investigate those receiving contraband and involved in its distribution.

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We are constantly in conversation with the leadership of the Criminal Police Bureau about what is happening. Quite early on, it was identified that a considerable number of police and State Border Guard Service (VSAT) officers were entangled in this.