Lithuanian minister condemns intimidation of reporters after Bankera exposé

· Investigations · Lithuania

A Lithuanian minister condemned an intimidation campaign against investigative reporters after the news outlet 15min exposed how Bankera's co-founders allegedly siphoned tens of millions in investor funds into an offshore bank, according to OCCRP. Following the reporting, journalists faced physical tracking, smear campaigns and a barrage of regulatory complaints. The episode highlights the pressure that can follow cross-border financial investigations, where reporters probing offshore flows and alleged fraud may encounter surveillance, reputational attacks and administrative harassment rather than legal argument.

Why it matters：It shows how cross-border financial investigations can trigger surveillance and harassment of journalists, a threat to the reporting that exposes offshore money flows and alleged fraud.

Key points

  • 15min exposed alleged siphoning of tens of millions in investor funds
  • Reporters faced physical tracking and smear campaigns
  • Campaign also included a barrage of regulatory complaints

Sources (original reporting)

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