The European Prosecutor’s Office is investigating fifty cases in Slovakia – Domestic – News
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is investigating more than 50 cases on the territory of Slovakia related to criminal acts falling within its jurisdiction with estimated damage exceeding 100 million euros. The European prosecutor representing the Slovak Republic, Juraj Novocký, stated this for TASR.
“Among the most frequently occurring criminal acts are cases of unauthorized acquisition or use of funds originating from EU sources, especially in the field of agriculture or social assistance,” which, however, are less frequent. they have more damage done.
“Over the past year, the EPPO has recorded and subsequently initiated criminal prosecution of several cases of cross-border VAT fraud, in which Slovak citizens or business companies based in the Slovak Republic also participate,” Novocký added. According to him, this type of case is given special attention, as it is often a sophisticated crime committed by organized groups of criminals.
He considers cooperation with national authorities (prosecutor’s office, police, National Criminal Agency and Criminal Financial Administration Office) to be adequate. “Although they found flaws that need to be needed. One of them is clearly understaffing of specialized departments and sometimes the insufficient professional level of some investigators,” he added.
According to Novocký, this problem exists in several EU member states. “This is also why the Chief European Prosecutor Laura Codruta Kövesi proposed the creation of specialized police units that would carry out investigations in the case of criminal cases falling within the scope of the EPPO. “Such a procedure would make use of a more efficient and, above all, faster investigation, including findings and convicted perpetrators of criminal activity and compensation for the damage caused or confiscation of income from criminal activity,” he added.
The main task of the European Union, which has been operating since June 2021, is to control fraud related to EU funds. Under certain conditions, it can also investigate cross-border VAT fraud and customs offences. The EPPO is based in Luxembourg. Slovakia is represented by Juraj Novocký as the European Prosecutor. There are currently six delegated European prosecutors operating in Slovakia.