SaS: Organised Crime Group Operated Undetected in Slovakia

Bratislava, 28 July (TASR) - An international organised crime group operated in Slovakia for several weeks without the knowledge of the police, the Interior Ministry or the Slovak Intelligence Service (SIS), the opposition's Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party warned on Tuesday. Police told TASR they have no information confirming the presence of an Irish organised crime group in Slovakia. According to MP Juraj Krupa (SaS), police investigating a fatal road accident in Cunovo, a district of Bratislava, uncovered the presence of the international organised crime network Rathkeale by chance. "A dangerous organised group was operating in Slovakia for several weeks and nobody knew about it. The police, the Interior Ministry and the SIS were all unaware of it. This represents a complete failure of the state's security structures and proof that this government has abandoned its duty to protect citizens," Krupa claimed. He also accused the SIS of focusing on the political opposition instead of genuine security threats. Krupa argued that amendments to the Criminal Code have further weakened the state's ability to combat crime. "Slovakia has become a more attractive environment for organised crime. Instead of strengthening the police and cooperation with allies, the government is dismantling investigative teams, weakening penalties and creating conditions in which it pays for criminals to operate," he said. Police Presidium spokesman Roman Hajek told TASR that, based on currently available information, police have no intelligence confirming the presence in Slovakia of an Irish international organised crime group to the extent described in media statements. "The Police Corps examines every report and suspicion relating to possible criminal activity. Should new relevant information emerge, it is verified and assessed in accordance with the applicable legal framework," Hajek added. mf