Authorities in the Panevėžys district are investigating the disappearance of Mantas Sadauskas, a 31-year-old paramedic with the Panevėžys Emergency Medical Service (GMPT). What began as a missing person search has escalated into a criminal investigation into the illegal deprivation of liberty.
Investigation Shifts to Kidnapping
Police have reclassified the case as a kidnapping after discovering Sadauskas’ vehicle, a white Hyundai Motor, in a forested area. The car was located Tuesday before noon near the villages of Paliukai and Gegužinė with the assistance of a “Eurocopter” helicopter.
Following the discovery of the vehicle, law enforcement officers surrounded a nearby homestead. However, a police spokesperson stated around 3 p.m. That no living or dead individuals were found on the property.
The Social Media Trap
Evidence suggests Sadauskas may have been lured into a trap via a fraudulent order. His father, Laimis Sadauskas, reported that his son received a request on Facebook to deliver a trampoline for a children’s party at a homestead.
The request raised immediate suspicions given that it was scheduled for a Monday rather than a weekend. The message claimed a previous delivery person had canceled, creating an urgent need for a replacement. After Sadauskas departed for the location, the “customer’s” Facebook profile was deleted.
Current Status and Potential Next Steps
Sadauskas was last seen around 10 a.m. On Monday in Paliukai village. He is described as approximately 185-186 cm tall, weighing about 95 kg, with an athletic build, short brown hair and grey-blue eyes.
Moving forward, investigators may focus on tracing the deleted social media account to identify the perpetrator. Search operations could likely expand to other remote areas in the Panevėžys district as police seek to locate the paramedic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mantas Sadauskas?
Mantas Sadauskas is a 31-year-old paramedic working for the Panevėžys Emergency Medical Service who also provided trampoline rental and installation services.
How did the police find his car?
The white Hyundai Motor was located in a forest near Paliukai and Gegužinė villages using a “Eurocopter” helicopter provided by border guards.
Was anyone arrested during the raid on the homestead?
While police surrounded a homestead near the site where the car was found, they reported that no people, living or dead, were discovered on the property.
How can social media platforms better protect independent service providers from fraudulent lures?
