Marian Kočner faces ongoing trials for murder and real estate fraud

Legal proceedings continue in Slovakia involving businessman Marian Kočner in two distinct high-profile cases.

In the trial regarding the 2018 murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová, the court is set to review evidence including a September 2017 phone call. In that recording, Kočner reportedly threatened Kuciak, stating he would “look for dirt” to make the journalist “stop writing.” The prosecution alleges Kočner ordered the murder through Alena Zsuzsová, who subsequently recruited others to carry out the crime. The trial is expected to include 15 more main hearings through December.

Separately, Kočner is also facing trial in the Five Star Residence case. This matter involves allegations of breaching duties in the management of foreign property and tax evasion. Prosecutors claim the actions caused over 1.8 million euros in damage to a company and more than 370,000 euros in losses to the Slovak Republic. The case involves the suspicious sale of real estate units for one euro. While some co-defendants have pleaded guilty, Kočner maintains his innocence.