Slovakia's explosive corruption trial implicates ex-police chief and ruling party politician

Slovakia is embroiled in one of its most politically charged trials, investigating claims of a deep-rooted corruption network within the police leadership during former Prime Minister Robert Fico's tenure.

The trial, which began in late July, centers on Tibor Gašpar, the former Police President who has since transitioned into high politics and now serves as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament. Gašpar, a prominent figure in Fico's ruling Smer-SD party, is accused of being the central figure responsible for allowing subordinate officers to be manipulated, feeling protected by his authority between 2012 and 2018, the period he led the police.

“

That is how the system worked, that in cases of economic crime, investigations were conducted selectively.

Opposition critics have labeled Gašpar's ability to retain his parliamentary seat and deputy speaker position while on trial as a "scandal." The list of co-defendants reads like a roster of the elite investigators from that era, including former heads of financial police, anti-corruption units, and tax departments. Notably, Dušan Kováčik, the former chief of the special prosecutor's office for corruption and organized crime, is also among the accused.

However, the indictment alleges that the true architect of the network was businessman Norbert Bödör, who is related to Gašpar. Bödör allegedly pulled the strings from behind the scenes with Gašpar's backing. The core of the prosecution's case suggests a system where investigations into financial crimes were selectively applied. The phrase "Naši ľudia" – meaning "our people" – became a coded signal for investigators to drop cases, regardless of the suspected corruption or fraud, if the individuals involved were politically aligned or paid bribes. Conversely, investigations were pursued aggressively against those from opposing political camps or those unwilling to pay.

“

"Our people" was then an indication for investigators not to dig further, regardless of any suspicion of corruption or fraud.