PS Files Criminal Complaint Over Suspicions of Nepotism at NSC

Bratislava, 11 September (TASR) – The opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party has filed a criminal complaint with the Prosecutor-General's Office regarding financial practices at the National Sports Centre (NSC), TASR learnt on Thursday. The party is also calling for the immediate resignation of the NSC leadership and urging Tourism and Sport Minister Rudolf Huliak (Independent) to order an in-depth financial audit at the institution. According to PS, the NSC management awarded contracts without any public tenders to newly established companies linked to relatives of the NSC leadership. The party claims that these companies, which received state-funded contracts from NSC, are directly connected to the deputy director of the centre. "One of the companies is managed by his partner, while another is led by his brother-in-law. Shortly after it was founded, this newly established firm began securing lucrative framework agreements for event organisation from NSC, all without any transparent tender process," stated MP Natalia Nash (PS) at a press conference. The total value of these contracts reportedly exceeds €660,000 excluding VAT. Nash spoke of the suspected misuse of public funds intended to support athletes, suggesting a 'functional model' of siphoning off state resources via relatives and purpose-built companies. "In light of these serious revelations, we're calling for the immediate resignation of the NSC leadership. Whether through direct involvement or tolerance of such unlawful conduct and nepotism, it's lost all moral and professional legitimacy to lead this important institution," Nash declared. PS has submitted its complaint citing suspicions of multiple criminal offences, including breach of obligations in managing public assets, misuse of public office, founding and supporting a criminal group, and manipulation of public procurement. According to Nash, the tourism and sport minister should also investigate the contracts and personnel ties within the NSC that fall under his ministry. "We urge you to hold the leadership of the National Sports Centre accountable if it isn't willing to step down voluntarily," she stated. mf/df