Lithuanian volunteer suspected of fraud, not going to the front instead of Iryna Tsybukh

In early June, Ukrainian media reported on Lithuanian “volunteer and journalist” Mindaugas Jonušas, who publicly declared that he would go to the front as a paramedic in place of the deceased Ukrainian Irina Tsybukh.

Following his noble statements about the need to save people in the war, Jonušas assured that he was raising funds for his training. He asked for financial help on his social media pages and also reached out to many well-known individuals.

However, after this story gained attention, a scandal erupted in Lithuania. Local media conducted an investigation and labeled him a fraud. Jonušas had founded a charity fund called Bonitatem in Lithuania, which was supposed to raise money for Ukrainians. He boasted that millions of euros had been transferred to him. However, when he left the fund, it was revealed that not a single cent had actually reached the accounts, as Jonušas had embezzled the money.

Ukrainian journalist Iryna Herasymenko, who moved to Lithuania after the war started, shared her experience working with the charity fund led by Jonušas. The fund was supposed to help Ukrainians, organize aid collections, and hold rallies. Iryna wrote messages in Ukrainian for the fund. However, Jonušas suddenly ceased the fund’s activities without accounting for the collected money, leaving debts behind. Iryna had to cover part of these obligations from her own pocket.

Jonušas had contacted Ukrainian journalists and charitable organizations, promising assistance that he never delivered. He took equipment on behalf of the fund and absconded with it without providing any reports.

In 2017, Jonušas had organized a non-governmental organization and was accused of sexual harassment. Lithuanian blogger Malinauskas emphasized that Jonušas’s actions cause more harm than good, reminding the public of his past violations and incompetence.