For “blessing” the support of young farmers, the employee of the National Payment Agency possibly received 5 thousand. euro bribe

Suspicions are currently being brought against four persons in the aforementioned STT investigation. Among them, the then civil servants J. Pupiis (NMA) and NŽT employee Nerijas Sudonis. The written promises for the suspects have not been fulfilled and “obligations of a different nature assigned by the prosecutor”.

The employee of the NMA, who is accused of the influence of trade, is Jonas Pupius, the then senior adviser of the Department of Rural Development, Fisheries Programs and National Support.

Back in March, the specialist presented the possibilities of providing support to the employees of municipal agricultural departments in a remote meeting.

15 minutes The head of the NMA, Fortunatas Dirginčius, confirmed that as soon as he received information from the law enforcement about the allegations, Mr. Pupius was removed from his duties and left the NMA of his own free will. The institution is currently conducting an internal investigation.

J. Pupius 15 minutes said that he asked to be fired due to personal plans.

“It’s just that I have other plans – personal ones. I may have personal plans,” said the suspect. He did not comment on the ongoing investigation.

Previously, Mr. Pupius worked as an advisor to the then Minister of Agriculture (2018-2019) Giedrias Surplis.

The NŽT employee offered no less than 3.5 thousand. euro bribe

According to unofficial information, the law enforcement investigation recorded how Mr. Pupius agreed during a meeting with N. Sudonis, an employee of the National Land Service (NŽT), that by using his service at the NMA, acquaintances and influence on other employees, he would influence the examination of one application. The meeting took place in the spring of last year.

At that time, N. Sudonis was the chief specialist of the land management and administration department of the Vilnius district. According to the prosecutor’s office, the crime the man is accused of is not related to his work and duties at the NŽT.

It is suspected that the employee of the NŽT at that time asked to positively influence the application, which claimed 60 thousand. EUR support for agricultural activities.

N. Sudonis agreed that he would give J. Pupi no less than 3.5 thousand for such help. euro bribe.

15 minutes contacted N. Sudonis, but he refused to communicate with journalists.

The National Land Service informed that at the end of March, it received a letter from the Special Investigation Service informing about the allegations against the employee.

N. Sudonis currently no longer works at NŽT. He voluntarily resigned from his position on March 26.

“NŽT has the highest requirements for transparency and impeccable reputation. Such or similar cases, any suspicions, accusations against employees due to possible criminal acts of any kind, both related to the performance of professional duties and not related to professional activities, are responded to immediately, strictly and without tolerance”, – to 15 minutes the institution answered the questions in writing.

For the support of young farmers – 5 thousand. euro bribe

It is suspected that Mr. Pupio’s agreement with the NŽT employee was not the only one. The officials also recorded another transaction of the then employee of the National Payment Agency for support with a private person.

That time, Mr. Pupius promised to “intercede” for the application for 60,000 funds administered by the NMA. EUR support for the establishment of young farmers.

It is suspected that the beneficiary paid 5,000 for such assistance from a civil servant. euro bribe.