Slovak police seek charges in 2011 murder of businessman Maroš Kováč

After a 15‑year investigation, Slovak police have recommended prosecution of two men for the pre‑planned murder of entrepreneur Maroš Kováč, a figure in the underworld of the Galanta‑Sereď‑Šaľa region. Kováč was shot on 12 February 2011 while returning from a restaurant, a day after a robbery at the local Ľudová banka branch that stole about €800,000 from his safe. Police say the killing was ordered by his former friend Jan Golis, head of a bank‑ATM gang, who demanded the money’s return and a €2 million penalty.

The suspects identified are driver Martin Krajčovic (nicknamed “Vrecko”) and shooter Peter Taufer. Their extradition was delayed because they were serving sentences in Austria and refused to be transferred, but international cooperation eventually brought them to Slovakia where key evidence was collected. The supervising prosecutor will decide whether to file the charges for organized murder, robbery and property damage.