Branislav Zurian, head of Slovakia’s police oversight agency, has come under fire after the agency dismissed charges against his direct relative, Branislav Tlučák. The case involved allegations that Tlučák, a police officer, misused his authority to aid an accused individual. Shortly after Zurian’s appointment, the investigation was dropped, and Tlučák was subsequently promoted without a competitive process. Zurian denies any involvement, but anti-corruption advocates have called for an independent review, citing concerns over conflicts of interest and accountability in Slovakia’s justice system.
Branislav Zurian, head of Slovakia’s police oversight agency, faces criticism after the dismissal of charges against his relative, Branislav Tlučák. Tlučák, a police officer, was accused of abusing his authority to aid a defendant in a mistreatment case by preparing an unauthorised document, later revealed to lack proper approval. The case was dropped shortly after Zurian’s appointment, a decision he denies influencing. The Stop Corruption Foundation has called for an independent review, citing concerns over impartiality and accountability.
The controversy deepened when Tlučák was promoted to senior police roles without a selection process. While police representatives defended his qualifications, critics argue these actions expose systemic failures in transparency and fuel concerns over conflicts of interest and abuse of power in Slovakia’s justice system.
Please note: The following text is a translation of content provided by a partner organisation. The Slovak Media Monitor presents it as is.
When Zurian Became Head of the Inspection Office, the Agency Refused to Prosecute His Brother-in-Law
The Inspection Office dismissed the criminal complaint, while Zurian denies any influence over the investigation. A relative of the Chief of the Inspection Service, Branislav Zurian, faced allegations of obstructing justice. Police officer Branislav Tlučák was accused of exceeding his authority to assist a defendant. Shortly after Zurian assumed leadership of the Inspection Office, the case was closed. Zurian maintains that he had no knowledge of the matter, while Tlučák denies any wrongdoing. Once a rank-and-file officer with the National Crime Agency (NAKA), Tlučák has been heading the criminal division in Banská Bystrica since the summer. While elite investigators from the now-dismantled NAKA have been demoted to patrol duty or suspended, Tlučák has been promoted. He secured a senior position without a selection process, despite previously facing potential criminal prosecution. The Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Banská Bystrica, which oversaw the case, confirmed this to the Stop Corruption Foundation based on an information request.
What Was the Case About?
The complaint concerned actions allegedly taken by the officer to benefit a defendant, Pavol Ch., who was on trial for abuse-related offences. During a court hearing in June 2023, the defendant’s lawyer presented an official record purportedly showing that Pavol Ch. had cooperated with police to expose other criminal activity, potentially earning him a reduced sentence. The record had been prepared by Tlučák. The prosecutor found the document suspicious, particularly because it lacked the signatures of Tlučák’s superiors. She contacted the NAKA Central Unit to verify whether the defendant had genuinely assisted the investigation and merited leniency in court. Her suspicions were confirmed: according to an inspection report obtained by the Foundation, senior officials had not approved the intervention in favour of the defendant.
Findings of the Inspection
According to the report, Tlučák admitted providing the record to the defence lawyer. However, the supposed cooperation with the police never led to any criminal charges being filed. Tlučák, an operative, was tasked with gathering intelligence in the field and passing it to investigators. Official records supporting a defendant are only valid if the information provided contributes to uncovering serious criminal offences. Such documents require approval from senior leadership and cannot be issued unilaterally by operatives. In this case, the inspection found that Tlučák acted independently, overstepping his authority. As a result, the leadership filed a criminal complaint against him.
Tlučák declined to comment on the specific case but stated broadly: “I always strive to perform my duties in the police force conscientiously and responsibly. I have never drafted a record containing false information.” When asked whether Pavol Ch.’s information had aided the police, Tlučák refused to answer. “I will not comment on investigations, especially when they concern specific individuals,” he emphasised.
Zurian Takes Over, the Complaint is Dropped
The criminal complaint against Tlučák was handled by the Inspection Office. Zurian was appointed head of the office in November last year, and three weeks later, the case was dismissed. The Regional Prosecutor’s Office confirmed: “The case was concluded with a resolution by an officer of the Inspection Service, rejecting the matter.”
Tlučák acknowledged his familial relationship with Zurian but insisted the chief was unaware of the case. “Branislav Zurian only learned about this matter through your questions. He had no prior knowledge, did not intervene in the investigation, and is not legally permitted to do so,” the police spokesperson conveyed.
If the Inspection Office investigator saw no grounds for criminal charges, the case could have been referred to disciplinary proceedings. The Foundation plans to appeal to the General Prosecutor’s Office to review the conduct of both the Inspection Office and the supervisory prosecutor.
From Operative to Division Head
After the case was dismissed, Tlučák became Deputy Head of the Criminal Police Department at the district police headquarters in Banská Bystrica on 1 May. By July, a personnel order promoted him to the director’s role, bypassing a selection process. According to Petra Kováčiková, Head of Communication at the Regional Police Directorate, such a process is not required for the appointment. “The appointee met all the prerequisites for holding the position,” she noted. Kováčiková explained that Tlučák submitted a request, was interviewed, and the request was approved. What specific achievements convinced the Banská Bystrica police leadership to appoint Tlučák?
“The unit where the appointee previously worked (NAKA) does not fall under our jurisdiction, so we cannot comment on his prior performance. However, based on his long-term experience in criminal policing, we believe he possesses sufficient expertise,” Kováčiková stressed.
