Czech Ministry files criminal complaint against social‑housing nonprofit

The Ministry of Regional Development (MMR) has lodged a criminal complaint against the Platform for Social Housing, two affiliated organisations and several former officials. The complaint alleges that an “organized group” systematically favoured the Platform in grant competitions from 2022‑2025, potentially misusing EU funds and violating public‑fund statutes. It points to a possible conflict of interest, noting that former Platform director Víta Lesák later headed the ministry’s housing department.

The dispute follows the ministry’s restructuring that merged the housing unit with the social inclusion department and dissolved the Agency for Social Inclusion, laying off fifteen positions. Municipalities such as Litvínov and Chomutov say the closure has left them without expert support for projects like the redevelopment of abandoned housing estates. Local officials complain, “We have no one to turn to,” and warn that assistance for thousands of socially excluded residents is at risk.

The ministry contends that only a few municipalities have voiced concerns and that most cooperation continues smoothly. It also states that investigations are ongoing and that it will not disclose further details while the criminal probe proceeds.