Slovak police seize firefighting vehicle amid procurement probe

Slovak criminal police have seized and sealed a new Scania firefighting vehicle at a Bratislava station as part of a criminal investigation into a €46 million procurement process. Investigators are examining potential tampering with the vehicle’s identification number (VIN) and the circumstances surrounding the use of European Union funds for the purchase.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that criminal proceedings have been initiated regarding the procurement, delivery, and commissioning of the new firefighting equipment. The Ministry noted that the tender process was initiated by former Minister Roman Mikulec and later announced by former Prime Minister Ľudovít Ódor, and was subject to oversight by the Public Procurement Office.

The Police Force stated that the seizure of the vehicle is a procedural step and does not itself confirm a crime or predetermine the criminal liability of any specific individual. They emphasized that they are proceeding legally and impartially to resolve doubts regarding the procurement. Political figures, including Jaroslav Naď, have called for an independent investigation into the matter.