Key Witness Peter Tóth Links Mafia Figure Kočner to Kuciak Murder in Third Trial

A former journalist and Slovak intelligence operative is providing critical testimony in the third criminal trial connected to the 2018 murder of investigative reporter Ján Kuciak. Peter Tóth, who once worked for Slovakia's intelligence service (SIS) and later became a journalist, testified about connections between Marian Kočner — a controversial businessman and the alleged mastermind behind the killing — and associates from criminal circles, referring to a friend from what translates as the 'wet quarter,' a term linked to underworld networks. Kuciak was shot dead along with his fiancée Martina Kušnírová at their home in February 2018 in what became one of the most shocking political crimes in Slovak history. The murder triggered mass street protests and ultimately led to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Robert Fico. Kočner was acquitted of ordering the murder in two previous trials, despite evidence including encrypted messages that prosecutors said demonstrated his role in organizing the killing. Slovak courts have faced intense scrutiny over the case, with critics questioning whether justice has been fully served. The ongoing third trial represents another attempt by prosecutors to secure a conviction in the case, which continues to cast a long shadow over Slovak politics and the rule of law. Tóth's testimony is considered significant because of his dual background in intelligence and journalism, giving him unusual insight into the networks allegedly surrounding Kočner.