Investigators of the Gorilla scandal have initiated a criminal proceeding in a case of blackmail, TV Markíza informed in its evening news programme broadcast on January 13, adding that the case may be related to the sale of Bratislava airport during the second government of Mikuláš Dzurinda (2002-06), the TASR newswire wrote.
“What I can reveal as a new piece of information is that I confirm that a criminal proceeding has been launched in a matter of blackmail,” said Police Corps President Tibor Gašpar, as quoted by TASR.
According to TV Markíza, the blackmail was allegedly linked to the privatisation of Bratislava airport, in which two consortiums took part. The Gorilla files, the alleged transcripts of recordings pertaining to the high-level political corruption in the years 2005-6, indicate that pressure was allegedly imposed on then transport minister Pavol Prokopovič, who “was creating problems”. Prokopovič allegedly opposed the bid submitted by investment group Penta.
“There was absolutely no pressure upon me,” Prokopovič responded, as quoted by TASR, backed by a similar statement by then PM Dzurinda. Penta denied any such accusations as well.
The criminal proceeding is not directed against a specific person, however, but provides the investigators with a scope for verifying their suspicions, TASR wrote.
Source: TASR
Compiled by Radka Minarechová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
