European Anti-Fraud Office to check Czech Rath bribery case
04.07.2012 08:13
CeskeNoviny: Prague - The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) will investigate the corruption scandal involving former Social Democrat (CSSD) regional governor David Rath, Czech Radio said today, referring to the OLAF general director Giovanni Kessler.
Rath was caught red-handed with seven million crowns in mid-May and remanded in custody. He was charged with having taken a bribe for manipulating a public order for the reconstruction of the Bustehrad chateau, central Bohemia, that was to be co-financed from EU funds.
Rath denies having taken any bribe.
The parliament stripped him of immunity and released him for prosecution on June 6. If found guilty, he faces up to 12 years in prison.
The OLAF will collaborate with Czech investigators.
Kessler said when it came to the check of management of EU money, cooperation with some authorities in the Czech Republic was not ideal.
He said there was an excellent cooperation with the Supreme State Attorney's Office. However, it is not so good with ministries, he added.
Kessler will pay a visit to the Czech Republic.
In connection with Rath's scandal, MEP Derk Jan Eppink has called on the European Parliament to investigate how EU funds are being used in the Czech Republic.
He said there were also other problems relating to the use of money from EU funds.