Yesterday, the Czech Police’s organised crime squad (NCOZ) carried out a raid at the headquarters of the Road and Motorway Directorate (RSD) in Prague and other locations, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals. The raid was conducted based on suspicions of advantage-taking in public procurement and procurement fraud, as announced by Prague High Prosecutor Lenka Bradacova.

The High Prosecutor’s Office (VSZ) stated that the investigation was focused on a criminal case filed by NCOZ, which alleged the involvement of an organised criminal group operating within the process of awarding public contracts at RSD. The group was accused of seeking advantages in the award of public contracts through manipulative means such as public tenders and auctions, as well as committing fraud during the awarding process. Tomas Minx, a prosecutor, confirmed these details in a press release.

Reports from Lidovky.cz revealed that more than 30 individuals and legal entities have been charged thus far in relation to this case. However, Transport Minister Martin Kupka clarified that the current activities of RSD and its senior management were not under investigation or implicated in any wrongdoing.

Prosecutor Bradacova stated that the case involved organised criminal activity, with the defendants facing charges for their participation in an organised criminal group. She further emphasized that this was not an isolated incident but rather a systemic issue involving multiple public procurement contracts. The magnitude of the case indicated that it was not an isolated incident but a part of a broader pattern.

Regarding the arrests, Bradacova mentioned that it was premature to determine whether the detainees would be remanded in custody. However, Lidovky.cz, citing an inside source, reported that the group comprised former employees of the Regional Directorate of Public Works and a network of contractors who colluded in securing contracts for themselves. The contracts in question pertained to road maintenance projects with a total value of CZK 300 million. Notably, none of the current senior management members at RSD have been implicated or charged in connection with this case.

The arrests and ongoing investigation highlight the authorities’ commitment to tackling corruption and fraudulent practices within the public procurement process. By targeting an organised criminal group, the authorities aim to expose and dismantle systemic corruption, ensuring a fair and transparent environment for public contracts in the Czech Republic.

Article by Prague Forum