Slovakia’s anti-corruption efforts sustained another setback with the arrests of former National Crime Agency (NAKA) investigators Branislav Dunčko and Róbert Magula on charges of obstructing justice. These detentions represent a clear continuation of retributive actions against those who have exposed corruption at the highest levels of power. The systematic targeting of investigators raises serious concerns about Slovakia’s ability to uphold the rule of law and ensure criminal accountability for abuses by political elites.
Slovakia is facing renewed scrutiny over its dedication to combating corruption and upholding democratic principles. The Internal Affairs Inspectorate (ÚIS) has arrested two former operatives of the National Crime Agency (NAKA), Branislav Dunčko and Róbert Magula, on charges of obstructing justice. These arrests are part of a broader, sustained pattern of targeting investigators who have been instrumental in exposing high-level corruption, including cases involving former Prime Minister Robert Fico and his inner circle.
NAKA, once Slovakia’s elite police institution tasked with investigating serious crimes such as corruption and organised crime, was dismantled during the first year of Fico’s current government. The disbanding of NAKA and the arrest of its former investigators are seen by many as deliberate actions to weaken institutional mechanisms designed to hold powerful figures accountable.
Arrests Reflect Ongoing Suppression of Anti-Corruption Efforts
The ÚIS alleges that in July 2021, Dunčko and Magula informed suspects about planned arrests, enabling them to evade detention. The suspects—Peter Petrov (known as “Tiger”), Matej Zeman, and Csaba Dömötör—were cooperating witnesses in significant corruption investigations implicating senior officials. Both Dunčko and Magula deny the allegations, asserting they had no specific knowledge of any operations and emphasizing that rumors of arrests were already widespread at the time.
These arrests are not isolated incidents but rather part of a continuous effort to dismantle institutional tools for investigating corruption by removing dedicated individuals and signaling to others that honest police work may be punished. Other prominent investigators, such as Ján Čurilla, have also faced suspensions and legal challenges after pursuing high-profile corruption cases. Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok has been accused of undermining corruption investigations through targeted dismissals and selective enforcement, further exacerbating concerns about accountability and the integrity of Slovakia’s justice system.
Implications for the Rule of Law in Slovakia
The systematic targeting of anti-corruption investigators raises serious questions about political interference in law enforcement and the erosion of judicial independence in Slovakia. The actions taken against these investigators suggest a coordinated and long-term effort to suppress anti-corruption initiatives, potentially allowing corruption to persist unchecked.
Prosecutor Michal Šúrek, who successfully convicted a high-ranking official on corruption charges, has also been sidelined, highlighting a troubling trend where those who challenge systemic corruption face professional reprisals. These developments undermine public trust in the justice system and pose significant challenges to the country’s democratic institutions.
Defense attorney Peter Kubina, representing Dunčko and Magula, argues that the charges are unfounded and reflect an attempt to intimidate and discredit those committed to combating corruption. The ongoing suppression of dedicated investigators not only hampers current investigations but also deters future efforts to hold powerful individuals accountable.
The recent arrests of former NAKA investigators and the dismantling of the agency itself illustrate a persistent effort to weaken Slovakia’s anti-corruption framework. This continued targeting of law enforcement professionals dedicated to upholding justice underscores the urgent need for vigilance in protecting the rule of law. The international community and domestic watchdogs remain attentive to these developments, recognising their profound implications for democracy and governance in Slovakia.
Read more about anti-corruption police investigators targeted by the Fico government
