Anti-corruption Foundation Warns of Impact of Criminal Code Amendment

Bratislava, 6 August (TASR) – The Let's Stop Corruption Foundation voiced its concerns about the negative consequences of the amended Criminal Code, describing it as the state's resignation from the fight against corruption, TASR learnt from the foundation's press conference held on Wednesday. The foundation cited the findings of its own analysis, which highlighted a decline in the prosecution of corruption cases and a high number of proceedings halted due to the statute of limitations. “The amendment to the Criminal Code has, over the course of a year, benefitted more than 3,000 individuals who were indicted, suspected, or accused. Meanwhile, victims still cannot claim compensation within criminal proceedings. We know that the penalty of asset forfeiture is no longer imposed, and there is a lack of data on how the state works with convicted individuals under a more lenient penal policy, especially in terms of restorative justice,” said Zuzana Petkova, the foundation’s director. The analysis showed, for instance, a decrease in the number of individuals prosecuted for accepting or offering bribes. In 2024, a total of 224 individuals were prosecuted for these offences, while only 28 were prosecuted in the first half of 2025. A decline in indictments for corruption was also recorded, with 129 people indicted last year, compared to just 13 by 30 June 2025. The analysis also revealed that 289 prosecutions were halted due to the statute of limitations, involving cases where damage exceeded €63 million. The Let's Stop Corruption Foundation also criticised the near elimination of the asset forfeiture penalty from the penal system following the amendment. It pointed out that courts can now impose this penalty only in cases involving damage or profit exceeding €650,000 and in cases of unconditional sentences. „Even members of criminal organisations who lost property in the past can now seek its return,” Petkova added. She pointed out that the reduction in the use of this penalty is supported by data from the Justice Ministry – in 2022, property was forfeited in 48 cases, while in 2024 it occurred in only nine cases. mf/mcs