The Czech police’s organised crime squad (NCOZ) has charged nine individuals in connection with public contracts at the Defence Ministry, specifically related to the microwave communication system, as announced by the High Public Prosecutor’s Office in Prague.

Czech Television reported that NCOZ conducted investigations at various locations, including the General Staff building of the Czech armed forces, as part of the case. The Defence Ministry confirmed that the police had conducted raids in some of its buildings but declined to provide further details at this time. Similarly, the General Staff spokesperson refrained from commenting on the case.

The High Public Prosecutor’s Office in Prague has been overseeing the criminal case, with spokesman Adam Borgula stating, “The actions, due to which criminal prosecution against nine people has been launched, are connected with public contracts of the Defence Ministry for servicing the microwave network.”

Reports from Denik N and Seznam Zprávy suggest that the police intervention at the General Staff is linked to the Dosimeter corruption case. This case, from the previous year, involved around a dozen individuals accused of influencing contracts of the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP).

Seznam Zpravy reported that the police’s interest revolves around businessman Jindrich Springl, who has faced charges related to bribes concerning DPP contracts, specifically for a radio system and a security camera system in the metro. Denik N indicated that the police raid at the General Staff HQ is connected to a CZK 10 million public contract that Springl won in 2018.

Jaroslav Ibehej, the NCOZ spokesman, told CTK that the supervising public prosecutor’s office is the institution authorized to provide further information on the case.

The charges and ongoing investigations reflect the seriousness of allegations related to public contracts and corruption within the Defence Ministry and its associated contracts. The outcome of the legal proceedings will be closely monitored for potential implications on government contracts and public accountability in the Czech Republic.

Article by Prague Forum