Czech Mayor Jan Wolf Detained After Returning From Vacation Amid Corruption Probe

Jan Wolf, the mayor of Karviné in the Czech Republic, is a suspect in a football‑related corruption case involving fraudulent betting and match‑influencing. After a planned holiday in Croatia, he reported to the police on Thursday and was escorted from the National Centre Against Organized Crime in handcuffs. Prosecutors from the Olomouc State Prosecutor’s Office have indicated they will request pre‑trial detention, citing concerns that Wolf could influence witnesses or otherwise obstruct the investigation.

The Football Association of the Czech Republic’s ethics committee recently barred Wolf from any football activity for 12 years and imposed a three‑million‑crown fine, also expelling the local club MFK Karviná from the top league. Wolf has denied the accusations, continues to hold the mayoral office, and says he will run again in the upcoming municipal elections. Deputy mayor Lukáš Raszyk is temporarily assuming Wolf’s duties while the case proceeds.