Court Finds Marian K. Guilty in Donovaly and Bac Fraud Case

Banska Bystrica/Bratislava, 5 August (TASR) - The Specialised Criminal Court in Banska Bystrica on Wednesday found Marian K. [name abbreviated due to legal reasons] guilty in the Donovaly and Bac fraud case, TASR learnt on Wednesday. However, the court didn't impose an additional sentence, as Marian K. is already serving a 19-year prison term, which the STS panel considered to be sufficient. Co-defendants Peter P. and Jana S. were given suspended prison sentences and financial penalties. The ruling isn't final. None of the three defendants attended the court to hear the verdict. Peter P. was sentenced to three years in prison, suspended for a five-year probationary period, and fined €50,000. Jana S., who initially admitted guilt but later sought to withdraw her plea, a request that was rejected by the court, was also sentenced to three years of imprisonment, suspended for a three-year probationary period, and fined €25,000. Marian K.'s lawyer, Michal Mandzak, has lodged an appeal, as has Andrej Sabik, who represents Peter P. and Jana S. In their closing arguments, the defence lawyers had asked the court to acquit their clients. The prosecutor has reserved the right to appeal. In his closing argument he sought a €3-million fine for Marian K., while proposing three-year suspended prison sentences with three-year probationary periods and €100,000 fines for Peter P. and Jana S. "I view the court's decision, which upheld the indictment, positively. The sentences will now be assessed by the prosecution, after which we'll decide what to do next," said the prosecutor. The indictment concerned suspected fraudulent VAT refund claims exceeding €8 million with respect to property sales in the village of Donovaly involving several companies. Marian K. was also charged with harming a creditor with respect to the public auction of a golf resort in Bac, where the alleged damage amounted to nearly €3 million. mf/df