National Security Threat Allegation could Lead to Company Suspension for Ziemelis - Declaration from Lithuanian Ministry
In a recent turn of events, the Lithuanian government's commission has concluded that Skyllence, a company under Gediminas Ziemelis' Avia Solutions Group, does not pose a threat to national security. This decision comes following an inquiry into potential risks and a review by the commission.
The inquiry was sparked by intelligence raised by the State Security Department, which had doubts about the activities and reliability of Avia Solutions Group. However, the commission found no grounds to proceed with further investigation in this matter.
The decision not to investigate Skyllence further was made public in August 2025. This decision means that the company's operations and transactions will continue unhindered, as the commission's decisions require approval from the government, which has the authority to restrict, suspend, or annul transactions, investments, or commercial activities if a threat is identified.
The controversy surrounding Skyllence began during the mid-June evacuation of Lithuanian citizens from Israel. Marius Laurinavicius, a political commentator, was ordered to leave the plane before its departure during the evacuation. Laurinavicius denies the accusations and claims he was removed due to his criticism of Ziemelis.
Initially, Vilma Vaitiekunaite, CEO of Skyllence, stated that Laurinavicius was removed due to issues with data provided by the operator. However, the commission's decision not to investigate Skyllence further indicates that these allegations were not substantiated.
The evacuated group was transported by bus from Israel to Jordan before boarding a flight home, with the flight being organized by Chapman Freeborn, another charter company within Avia Solutions Group. Despite the controversy surrounding the evacuation, the commission's decision to clear Skyllence of national security threats is a significant development.
Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys initiated the assessment of Skyllence's potential threat to national security, and the commission reviews investors and transactions that may pose a risk to national security, according to law. However, as of August 2025, the commission has not found Skyllence to be a threat, and the investigation into the mid-June evacuation from Israel remains ongoing.
[1] Lithuania's Government Commission Clears Skyllence of National Security Threat Allegations (August 2025) [2] Lithuanian Government's Commission Reviews Investors and Transactions for National Security Risks (Undated) [3] Lithuania's State Security Department Raises Doubts about Avia Solutions Group (Undated) [4] Lithuanian Government Commission's Decision Not to Investigate Skyllence Further (August 2025)
- The recent decision by Lithuania's Government Commission not to investigate Skyllence further signals a shift in the ongoing controversy, which had initially been sparked by the state's intelligence agency, the State Security Department.
- Amidst the ongoing investigation into the mid-June evacuation of Lithuanian citizens from Israel, the Government Commission's decision not to pursue further investigations into Skyllence's national security risks suggests that the allegations against the company may not be substantiated.
- In the realm of general news, politics, crime-and-justice, war-and-conflicts, and defense, this development marks a significant turn, as it pertains to the investigation into the activities of Avia Solutions Group's flagship company, Skyllence, and its potential threats to Lithuania's national security.
