OCCRP: Lithuanian Minister Condemns Intimidation Campaign against Investigative Reporters

• OCCRP states that Lithuania’s Public Information Ethics Commission received four formal complaints against 15min in just two months, compared to its usual average of about one complaint per year.
• OCCRP notes that more than 45 million euros raised during Bankera’s 2017–2018 token sale was transferred to Pacific Private Bank in Vanuatu.

Lithuanian Culture Minister Lukas Alsys condemned the harassment of journalists and editors after 15min staff faced growing pressure following their joint investigation with OCCRP into Bankera. The investigation revealed that over 45 million euros raised during Bankera’s token sale was transferred to Pacific Private Bank in Vanuatu, which then issued millions of euros in loans to the founders and their companies.

After the story was published in April 2025, Lithuania’s Financial Crime Investigation Service opened a pre-trial investigation, and Vanuatu’s central bank revoked Pacific Private Bank’s international license, pending appeal. Subsequently, journalists at 15min faced a systematic campaign of intimidation, including personal data collection, surveillance, and a barrage of regulatory complaints, with Bankera co-founders formally named as suspects in September.

• 45 million euros Amount raised during Bankera’s 2017–2018 token sale
• $49 million Alleged unlawful dissipation of investor funds

• Review Lithuania’s Financial Crime Investigation Service pre-trial investigation into Bankera for AML/CFT risks.
• Monitor regulatory complaints filed with Lithuania’s Public Information Ethics Commission, especially those linked to Bankera.
• Assess transactions involving Pacific Private Bank in Vanuatu for potential unlawful dissipation of funds as named in the OCCRP investigation.

This story highlights the risks of intimidation and regulatory pressure faced by investigative journalists reporting on financial crime and crypto-finance firms. The naming of Bankera co-founders as suspects in an alleged $49 million dissipation of investor funds underscores the importance of robust AML/CFT controls and transparency. Compliance officers should be alert to potential SLAPP tactics and regulatory complaints used to silence critical reporting, as these may signal underlying financial misconduct or attempts to obstruct investigations.