Slovak Corruption Case Links Former Officials to Criminal Gang Protection Scheme

A corruption case has emerged linking former high-ranking Slovak officials to a criminal protection scheme involving the Takáčovci gang. Testimony in court revealed that former Prime Minister Robert Fico and former Interior Minister Pavol Gašpar discussed the criminal group during meetings at a hunting lodge. A witness testified that if businessman Ľubomír Kudlička had paid a bribe to former police chief Milan Lučanský, members of the Takáčovci gang would not have faced prosecution. The witness, who testified about pressure he faced while in prison, described a system where criminal prosecutions could allegedly be influenced through high-level corruption. The Takáčovci are known as one of Slovakia's most notorious criminal organizations, involved in extortion, explosives attacks, and other serious crimes. The case highlights allegations of political protection for organized crime groups and suggests corruption reaching the highest levels of Slovak government and law enforcement during the previous administration.