Bernard S. Describes How Investigations Were Influenced in 'Purgatory' Case

Banska Bystrica, 22 July (TASR) - The main trial in the 'Purgatory' case continued at the Banska Bystrica branch of the Specialised Criminal Court on Wednesday. The case concerns allegations concerning the formation and operation of a criminal group within the highest echelons of the police and security services between 2012-2018. The trial continued with the testimony of the defendant, former head of the financial police Bernard S. [name abbreviated due to legal reasons], who described, using specific cases, how the alleged group was said to have interfered with police investigations. The former director of the Financial Police Unit of the National Crime Agency (NAKA) began giving evidence in the 'Purgatory' case on Monday (20 July), focusing in particular on the structure and activities of the alleged criminal group, which was said to be headed by two defendants, namely Nitra-based businessman Norbert B. and then Police Corps president and current House Vice-chair Tibor G. According to Bernard S., they were said to have met with other police officials to discuss various cases and proceedings. At these meetings, tasks were assigned, orders were received, and compliance with previous requirements was checked. The House vice-chair declined to comment in detail on Bernard S.'s testimony following the adjournment of the trial. "In light of the evidence that has already been objectively presented, some of the statements made today were absurd," claimed Tibor G. Nitra-based entrepreneur Norbert B. reacted in a similar vein. "There are dozens of pieces of evidence in the case file showing that he's talking nonsense," he told the media. According to Bernard S.'s lawyer, the testimony of the former head of the financial police was sufficiently detailed and specific. "He stated when things happened, who gave him instructions, who handed over the bribes to him, and so on. I believe that any doubts as to whether my client is capable of giving specific testimony have been completely dispelled today," said the lawyer. In addition to Tibor G. and Norbert B., the defendants in the Purgatory case include former special prosecutor Dusan K., former Financial Administration chief Frantisek I., high-ranking officials of the now-defunct National Crime Agency (NAKA) Peter H., Marian Z., Robert K. and Milan M., and ex-police officer Roman S. They are charged with setting up, orchestrating and supporting a criminal group, bribery and accepting bribes, and abusing public office. According to the indictment, the group was allegedly masterminded by Norbert B. Several of the defendants have publicly denied the charges on multiple occasions, describing the trial as politically motivated. am/df