Two Former Telšiai District Council Members Suspected in 'Čekiukai' Case

Two former members of the Telšiai District Council, P. Kuizinas and S. Čekanauskas, are facing scrutiny for alleged abuse of power during their terms from 2019 to 2023. The Special Investigation Service (STT) reported that both individuals are suspected of submitting falsified expense reports related to fuel costs. These alleged misrepresentations are believed to have caused significant financial losses to the Telšiai District Municipality, with P. Kuizinas implicated in damages of approximately 3,507 euros and S. Čekanauskas in damages of around 4,125 euros. P. Kuizinas previously served as the mayor of Telšiai District from 2015 to 2019.

In a related development, current council member Linas Šedvilas has acknowledged his guilt in a similar case involving the "Čekiukai" file. Šedvilas was accused of abusing his position and submitting inaccurate expense reports for transportation fuel, causing an estimated 972 euros in damages to the municipality. He fully admitted his guilt, expressed sincere remorse, and compensated the municipality for the losses incurred. Consequently, the Šiauliai District Court approved a prosecutor's decision to drop the pre-trial investigation against Šedvilas, allowing him to retain his council seat.

While Šedvilas was released from criminal liability under probation for one year and ordered to pay a 1,000 euro contribution to the Victims of Crime Fund, the court rejected the prosecutor's request to bar him from holding public office for three years. The STT is currently conducting pre-trial investigations into the misuse of municipal funds in 24 different municipalities, examining allegations of non-transparent and unjustified spending, as well as a lack of accountability and transparency within local governance.