Czech police launched a sweeping anti-corruption operation targeting Prague’s Motol University Hospital, the country’s largest medical facility, Euractiv reported.
The raid, conducted on Monday and coordinated by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), was part of a broader investigation into suspected fraud involving EU funds.
During the operation, police arrested 16 individuals, including senior hospital officials such as Motol’s director, Miloslav Ludvík, a former health minister affiliated with the Social Democrats.
Authorities allege that the suspects systematically manipulated public procurement processes to secure illegal financial gains from contracts awarded by the hospital. According to police findings, Ludvík and his deputy, Pavel Budinský, skimmed several percentage points from each contract, allegedly amassing bribes totalling hundreds of thousands of euros.
Two major initiatives are under scrutiny: the construction of a state-of-the-art oncology centre, funded by nearly €120 million from the Czech National Economic Recovery Plan, and the reconstruction of existing hospital facilities, supported by EU cohesion funding through the Operational Programme for the Environment 2014-2020.
Damage to EU financial interests
EU prosecutors emphasised the gravity of the allegations, noting that the potential damage to the EU’s financial interests could exceed €160 million. The misuse of the funds not only undermined public trust but also jeopardised vital healthcare projects intended to benefit Czech citizens.
The suspects face charges including corruption, subsidy fraud, damage to the EU’s financial interests, and money laundering. If convicted, they could be sentenced to up to 12 years in prison. All those detained remain in custody as the investigation continues.
The raid at Motol University Hospital is part of a wider effort by Czech authorities and the EPPO to combat corruption and ensure the proper use of EU funds. The outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for how EU-funded projects are managed and monitored across member states.
