In her weekly corruption news filter, Monika Tódová of Denník N reveals the underpinnings of a deeply flawed system, where Slovak entrepreneurs face insurmountable barriers in state tenders and police investigations reveal corruption that reaches the highest political ranks. Through interviews and new investigative accounts, Tódová sheds light on the opaque practices that lock out honest contenders, manipulate competition, and perpetuate insider deals—posing a profound threat to Slovakia’s democratic fabric.
In her article, Monika Tódová of Denník N, referencing an interview by Mária Benedikovičová, shares Ákos Szabó’s blunt criticism of Slovakia’s public contracting system. Szabó, a textile entrepreneur, describes how state tenders, such as those for uniforms by the Ministries of Interior and Defence, are frequently manipulated to favour predetermined winners. “I understand I might end up at a disadvantage,” Szabó admits, “but if no one makes the first move, we’ll still be dealing with the same problems years from now.”
Szabó recounts the Ministry of Interior’s restrictive timeline for uniform bids under Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, which left insufficient time to complete required testing. Additionally, the ministry’s demand for a €300,000 deposit, combined with a refusal to provide sample uniforms, placed competing companies at a disadvantage. As a result, Szabó had to resort to purchasing an old uniform from an online secondhand marketplace, acquiring it from a private seller just to study the specifications needed to meet the tender’s requirements.
Tódová concludes that Szabó’s testimony sheds light on how state contracts are manipulated through opaque practices and arbitrary requirements that effectively exclude fair competition and drive up prices—leaving lucrative deals for insiders while blocking honest contenders from a fair chance.
Police Officers Speak Out on High-Level Corruption in New Book
After highlighting Szabó’s account of manipulation within Slovakia’s public contracting, Monika Tódová of Denník N shifts focus to Čurillovci, a new book by investigative journalist Marek Vagovič. In this work, Vagovič moves from fiction to reality, offering real-life stories of thirteen Slovak police officers who pursued high-level corruption cases. These officers, initially focused on dismantling organised crime, gradually uncovered links to powerful political figures, shedding light on the extent of corruption within Slovakia’s highest ranks.
The book’s central figure, Ján Čurilla—after whom the group is named—faces charges in what Tódová describes as “absurd cases,” alongside other officers who are now under house arrest or suspended. Each officer recounts their journey, from early career cases to eventual confrontations with former police chiefs Tibor Gašpar and Milan Lučanský. Tódová notes one surprising detail: investigator Pavol Ďurka reportedly voted for Smer as recently as 2016.
Čurillovci also reveals new information, including the discovery of a corpse in the car of businessman Ladislav Bašternák, a previously unknown detail. Tódová explains that beyond personal narratives, the book covers critical aspects of police work, including the process of dismantling criminal networks, convincing mafia members to testify, and experiences with the Slovak Information Service (SIS).
Hundreds of SIS reports passed through my hands, and honestly, a grandmother at the market would give you more reliable information,” Čurilla comments, highlighting the agency’s limitations. Tódová notes that investigator Pavol Ďurka is equally sceptical, calling the SIS “an unaccountable institution that should be dismantled and rebuilt from scratch.
- Minister Dismisses Head of National Transplant Organisation Amid Scandal
Monika Tódová reports that Health Minister Kamil Šaško has decided to dismiss Daniel Kuba, head of the National Transplant Organisation, following revelations of his involvement in a longstanding conflict of interest. According to Tódová, Kuba approved blood exports to a company on whose board he also served, a conflict linked to allegations of profiteering in umbilical cord blood sales. - Government Office Stirs Hostility Against Anti-Corruption Activist
Tódová highlights that a recent report from the Investigative Centre of Ján Kuciak reveals how government officials incited public hostility against Xénia Makarová of the Stop Corruption Foundation. Tódová notes that some government members even sponsored social media posts that misrepresented Makarová’s investigation into a questionable renovation contract won by a businessman allegedly linked to oligarch Norbert Bödör. Government Office Head Juraj Gedra and Smer MEP Erik Kaliňák reportedly escalated the campaign by filming a confrontational video at the foundation’s office, targeting Makarová directly. - New EU Justice Commissioner to Succeed Věra Jourová
Michael McGrath, Ireland’s former finance minister, will succeed Věra Jourová as EU Justice Commissioner, Tódová reports. Jourová frequently criticised Slovakia’s rule of law and clashed with Robert Fico. According to Tódová, McGrath aims to strengthen the connection between EU funding and rule of law standards and has committed to defending media freedom. “I will not yield to pressure or make compromises,” McGrath declared, potentially signalling a tough stance toward the Slovak government. - Key Testimonies Postponed in High-Profile Mytník Case
According to Tódová, the Specialised Criminal Court has postponed hearings in the Mytník case due to the illness of defendant Radko Kuruc. Tódová reports that the court had planned to hear key testimonies from former Financial Administration head František Imrecze, entrepreneur Michal Suchoba, and Alexis executive Jana Rovčaninová. The Mytník case centres on allegations of overpriced tenders within the Financial Administration under Imrecze’s leadership from 2012 to 2018, with charges also involving Jozef Brhel and his son. - Fifteen Arrested for Fraud in EU Subsidies Scheme
Tódová writes that, at the request of the European Prosecutor’s Office, Slovak police recently arrested fifteen suspects connected to a €1.77 million fraud involving EU regional development funds. The suspects allegedly purchased low-cost machinery from China and falsely declared it as EU-made. Police conducted fourteen searches and froze seventeen bank accounts across the Žilina and Nitra regions, Tódová reports. - Corruption Trial Begins for Former Judge in Banská Bystrica
The trial of former Žilina judge Daniel Béreš began at the Specialised Criminal Court in Banská Bystrica, Tódová reports. Béreš faces charges of repeatedly accepting bribes in connection with rigging court judgments, allegations that surfaced in the Plevel police operation. Tódová explains that František Tóth, known as “Big Fero,” will serve as a key witness in the case, having acted as an intermediary. - Lawyer with Links to Kaliňák Secures New State Contract
According to Tódová, attorney Marek Turčan, known for his ties to Robert Kaliňák and Ladislav Bašternák, has secured a state contract after a long hiatus. Tódová notes that Bratislava Airport awarded Turčan’s law firm a contract for legal services valued at €100,000, with cost-effectiveness cited as the main selection criterion. - Coalition Passes Amendments to Freedom of Information Ac
Tódová reports that the coalition has approved amendments to the Freedom of Information Act, now allowing fees for information requests. A last-minute amendment by SNS also extended the basic response period for public information requests from eight to twelve working days. Tódová notes that the opposition and civil society groups have criticised these changes, arguing they could hinder public access to information.
Source: Monika Tódová | Denník N
