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Daniel Bombic describes himself on Telegram as “the worst nightmare of the Slovak progressive mafia” and “the most wanted citizen whistleblower.” (source: Telegram)
Daniel Bombic, a Slovak extremist and antisemite, has been extradited to Slovakia after years of legal wrangling in the UK. Bombic, who is wanted on three international arrest warrants, was flown to Bratislava on a government jet, bypassing the standard practice of using commercial flights for such operations. Authorities cited security concerns as the reason for the unusual measure.
The 43-year-old, known for his inflammatory rhetoric and online harassment campaigns, was taken directly from Bratislava airport to the Specialised Criminal Court. A hearing to decide his custody status began but was adjourned after more than five hours. According to police, the judge suspended Bombic’s questioning late in the evening, and he was transported to a detention cell, where he will remain pending further legal proceedings.
Bombic, who spent two decades in London, amassed a following of over 60,000 on Telegram under the alias Danny Kollar. He gained notoriety during the pandemic by targeting public servants, healthcare workers, and journalists, publishing their personal details online. Social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, have since banned his accounts.
In recent years, Bombic forged connections with prominent Slovak politicians, including Prime Minister and Smer party leader Robert Fico, as well as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Slovak National Party leader Andrej Danko. He also collaborated with Smer MEP Judita Laššáková. Arrested in London in 2022, he was released on £15,000 bail, a sum whose origin remains unclear.
After lengthy court battles, Westminster Magistrates’ Court approved his extradition in April 2024. His appeals were unsuccessful, and the transfer was finalised this month.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR
Drama king: Robert Fico has sounded the alarm over an alleged large-scale hack of the public health insurer. As usual, he may have been exaggerating.
America’s Putin (?): Some see echoes of the Kremlin strongman in Donald Trump’s musings about buying Greenland.
On the prowl: A gang of neo-Nazis is roaming Bratislava, though police cameras have noticed nothing. Luckily, the extremists were kind enough to film themselves.
Staying competitive: ICT permits and mobility schemes are offering businesses a lifeline to tap into global expertise.
Cross-country gem opens at last: Slovakia’s top cross-country skiing spot in the Čertovica pass is now open. Lace up those skis!
US president under pressure: Trump’s executive order to scrap the OECD’s Global Minimum Tax deal has sparked a showdown over sovereignty, fairness, and billionaire-backed influence in the U.S. tax system, writes expert Renáta Bláhová.
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FEATURE
One man’s promise to his grandmother
Christopher Sanders. (source: Archive of C. S.)
Born to Slovak immigrants, Christopher Sanders grew up in Washington, D.C., embracing both American opportunities and Slovak traditions. His life journey brought him back to Slovakia, where he works to honour his family’s sacrifices.
LOSER OF THE DAY
Minister caught in his own leak trap
MP Samuel Migaľ (l) and Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok (r) (source: TASR)
Slovakia’s interior minister, Matúš Šutaj Eštok, is under investigation for allegedly leaking sensitive documents linked to a high-profile case involving anti-corruption investigators who had previously handled cases tied to the Smer party, writes Sme. The inquiry is being led by the Interior Ministry’s police inspectorate, a body responsible for investigating police misconduct and headed by Šutaj Eštok’s own appointee, Branislav Zurian – raising concerns over impartiality.
Former Hlas MP Samuel Migaľ, who was expelled from the party over the weekend, claims the minister personally instructed him to release the materials in January 2024 – an allegation Šutaj Eštok firmly denies. The leaked documents were reportedly intended to support the government’s long-standing claim that its predecessor had used law enforcement to discredit political opponents, including the current prime minister, Robert Fico.
While Migaľ has now turned against Šutaj Eštok, he concedes that just a year ago, he remained loyal to the party line.
IN OTHER NEWS
President Peter Pellegrini has convened a roundtable for next week, bringing together leaders of the three coalition and three opposition parliamentary parties to discuss the country’s foreign policy orientation. Despite a long-standing consensus, the president argues that foreign policy has become a major point of domestic political contention.
Prime Minister Robert Fico is set to travel to Brussels on Thursday for talks with European Commission officials regarding the halted transit of gas through Slovakia. On Tuesday, the prime minister called Volodymyr Zelensky’s statement on the possible transit of gas from Azerbaijan a diversion tactic, referring to the Ukrainian president as an enemy. “Our enemy is Zelensky. Zelensky caused the problems we are facing. I don’t like him because he is harming Slovakia,” Fico declared. In return, Volodymyr Zelensky reminded Robert Fico that the US can significantly increase LNG exports to Europe. “For American LNG, you only need to pay with money, but for Russian gas, you have to pay not only with money but also with independence and sovereignty,” he wrote on X.
In his latest video, Robert Fico criticises French Prime Minister François Bayrou for calling Elon Musk a threat to democracy. PM Fico responds by claiming that if anyone poses a threat to democracy, it is “the network of Soros-funded NGOs.” “If you haven’t realised it yet, you’ll soon figure it out in France as well,” he says in the video.
Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický (Smer) has highlighted the significance of exports to the United States, which account for approximately 2.9 percent of employment in Slovakia – equivalent to around 70,000 jobs. (TASR)
The Culture Ministry has released files for the revised version of Slovakia’s national anthem, arranged by composer Oskar Rózsa. The update includes instrumental, performed, and sung versions, as well as the anthem’s official score.
President Pellegrini hosted an introductory audience at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, welcoming newly appointed ambassadors to Slovakia. Zhanna Saginovova, Kazakhstan’s new ambassador, and Pham Truong Giang, Vietnam’s envoy, formally presented their credentials.
MPs failed for the second time on Tuesday to reach a quorum for an extraordinary session on the government's dismissal. Parliament will attempt to debate the no-confidence motion against the government again on Wednesday, January 29. (source: TASR - Jakub Kotian)
WEDNESDAY WEATHER BRIEFING: Clouds will start off big and bold but shrink as the day goes on. Expect the odd cheeky shower, and if you’re up in the hills above 1200m, a sprinkle of snow might make an appearance. Surprisingly warm though – 8°C to 14°C, with the north staying cool at around 6°C. (SHMÚ)
The Jablonica quarry during the installation of nest boxes for the peregrine falcon near the village of Jablonica on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. (source: TASR - Lukáš Grinaj)
PARTY TIME: January 29 is Gašpar’s special day, so if you happen to know one, don’t forget to send him your warmest wishes. Všetko najlepšie!
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