In a significant development, the Czech organized crime police unit (NCOZ) has taken decisive action by proposing charges against 11 individuals involved in the Dosimeter corruption case. These charges encompass a wide range of serious offenses, including participation in an organized criminal group, bribery, and money laundering. The Dosimeter case has come under intense scrutiny due to its focus on contracts related to the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP). The NCOZ recently made the charges public on their website, marking a critical milestone in the ongoing investigation.

What makes this announcement particularly noteworthy is the remarkable speed at which this indictment has been filed. According to NCOZ spokesman Jaroslav Ibehej, the indictment itself spans over 300 pages and is accompanied by a staggering 18,000-page case file. It is a testament to the thoroughness and dedication of the investigative team that this complex case has progressed so swiftly, with charges being proposed in less than 17 months from the initiation of the criminal case.

The Dosimeter case has sent shockwaves throughout the Czech Republic, leading to the resignation of several politicians implicated in the scandal. The heart of the matter revolves around an organized group allegedly led by businessman Michal Redl, who systematically infiltrated key positions within the DPP. Their objective was to manipulate tenders, ensuring that selected companies would secure contracts while demanding illicit bribes in return. This nefarious activity is at the core of the charges presented by the police.

One of the accused in this case is Petr Hlubucek, a former deputy mayor of Prague representing the Mayors and Independents (STAN) party. Reports have also linked former DPP finance director Matej Augustin to the allegations. The scope of the Dosimeter case extends beyond the DPP, involving the General Health Insurance Company (VZP) and the contracts of the Central Bohemian regional road administration.

This case has been unfolding since June 2022 when the police began their pursuit of the group around Michal Redl, who had previous associations with convicted fugitive businessman Radovan Krejcir. The investigation concluded in March of the following year. Reports in the media suggest that one of the accused individuals, businessman Pavel Dovhomilja, has been cooperating with the police, shedding light on the group’s operations.

The ramifications of the Dosimeter case have been profound, with prominent figures in Czech politics and administration resigning or suspending their memberships due to their connections with the accused individuals. Education Minister Petr Gazdik, MEP Stanislav Polcak, and Jana Mrackova Vildumetzova, to name a few, have all taken steps in response to the scandal.

Furthermore, the Dosimeter case has had a significant impact on another legal matter concerning Michal Redl. In response to the prosecution, Justice Minister Pavel Blazek has called for the resumption of Redl’s suspended prosecution in the M5 firm case. This particular case had been halted in 2007 due to Redl’s alleged serious mental illness, with multiple restrictions imposed on his legal capacity by district courts. However, these restrictions were lifted in September 2022 by the regional court, and this decision was upheld by the Supreme Court this year, allowing the police to continue their efforts to prosecute Redl.

The Dosimeter case stands as a prominent example of law enforcement’s commitment to combating corruption and organized crime in the Czech Republic. As the legal proceedings unfold, they are likely to shed further light on the intricacies of the corruption network and its impact on the country’s political and administrative landscape.

Article by Prague Forum