Rehák and Valko released from custody

LAWYER Ernest Valko and businessman Ladislav Rehák were released from custody yesterday after a court rejected a request by the prosecution to detain them. The final decision on whether they will be remanded in custody will be made by the Bratislava regional court after the prosecution appealed the district court verdict.

Rehák and Valko, along with Rehák’s son Martin, are accused of extortion.

A police source told the Sme daily that the three men allegedly forced two other men to sign an IOU for Sk15 million. The case allegedly involves a father and son named Vittek, whose company had a contract with Rehák. The Vitteks were to purchase plots of land for Rehák for an agreed sum. Rehák found out, however, that the Vitteks bought the plots for a lower sum and kept the remaining money, which amounted to Sk15 million. The Vitteks allegedly admitted having done so in front of a public notary, but then later filed charges against Rehák and Valko.

Ladislav Rehák and his two sons Martin and Juraj are also facing another extortion charge in a separate case. Together with another man, Róbert J., they allegedly extorted money from former company accountant Andrea K. The Reháks argue that Andrea K. embezzled at least Sk3.1 million from Rehák’s company.