Czech Railways CEO resigns security clearance

Michal Krapinec, the CEO of Czech Railways (České dráhy), has voluntarily resigned from his ‘Confidential’ level security clearance. This decision follows an investigation by the National Security Authority (NBÚ) into potential information leaks within his circle.

Krapinec underwent dozens of hours of questioning over the past year. A spokesperson for ČD stated that Krapinec cooperated fully with the NBÚ but found the requirements of maintaining a clearance—such as documenting personal financial transactions and private relationships—to be overly burdensome for his professional and family life. While the law does not mandate this specific clearance level for his role, Czech Transport Minister Ivan Bednárik has requested that the ČD supervisory board provide an explanation regarding the matter.

Separate investigations are also involving Jiří Svoboda, the former director of Správa železnic, who is suspected of irregularities regarding public tenders.