Police Raid Construction Giant in Motol Hospital Corruption Probe
Second Wave of Investigation Targets Geosan Executives
National anti-organized crime police launched a significant operation this morning, raiding construction firm Geosan and other locations. The operation is reportedly a second phase of an ongoing corruption investigation linked to the Motol hospital.
Motol Case Widens, Geosan Leaders Implicated
Eighteen individuals are currently facing prosecution in the Motol hospital scandal. Among those targeted are key figures from Geosan, including former CEO and co-owner Luděk Kostka and business director Ivan Havel. Authorities allege Kostka and Havel engaged in corrupt dealings with hospital management concerning a contract for insulating the “blue pavilion.”
Charges against them include subsidy fraud, bribery, and causing damage to the EU’s financial interests. Both are currently prosecuted while at liberty.
Allegations of Widespread Bribery at Motol
Investigators claim former hospital director Miloslav Ludvík and his ex-deputy Pavel Budinský accepted bribes from various hospital suppliers. These payments allegedly secured contracts not only for construction but also for services like cleaning and craft work. The submission of a portion of these funds was reportedly a prerequisite for contract validation.
The European anti-fraud office (OLAF) has been actively involved in combating fraud affecting EU financial interests. In 2022, OLAF’s investigations led to the recovery of approximately €2.7 billion in funds across the EU, highlighting the scale of such financial crimes. (Politico, 2023).
Investigation Continues
Authorities have yet to release official statements regarding the NCOZ’s actions or comments from the involved companies and the European authorized applicant overseeing the case.