Estonian Prosecutor's Office channels money from conditionally terminated cases to NGOs via lottery

The Estonian Prosecutor's Office has changed how money from conditionally terminated criminal cases is handled. Previously, such payments went to the state budget, but now they can be allocated to public interest purposes, such as sports clubs or other non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Last week, two local sports clubs—the Järvamaa Sports Association and Sakala Biathlon—each received €6,000. This money came from two individuals whose cases were conditionally terminated in connection with the bribery case involving MP Tõnis Mölder. Although the Riigikogu did not lift Mölder's immunity, proceedings against the alleged bribe givers and intermediary continued, ending with conditional termination.

Kristjan Lill, senior prosecutor at the Northern District Prosecutor's Office, explained in an interview that since 2024, financial obligations imposed under conditional termination can be directed to targeted public interest use. Eligible recipients are non-profit organizations, foundations, and religious associations listed by the Tax and Customs Board (EMTA) as qualifying for income-tax benefits. The prosecutor must propose such a "donation."

When selecting, the prosecutor can narrow choices by region or field of activity—for example, culture, children, animals, sports, or support for Ukraine. The final recipient is chosen by lottery. Lill noted that this is like a lottery, and not all organizations will receive funds; the EMTA list contains between 1,000 and 2,000 organizations.

An interesting detail: if a suspect or accused person accepts such an obligation and pays the amount, they can deduct the donation as tax-exempt income up to €8,400.