Slovakia police detain man linked to 2008 disappearance of journalist Pavol Rýpal

Elite officers from the Slovak Office for the Fight Against Organized Crime (ÚBOK) carried out an operation in Štúrovo, arresting Robert Tóth, known as "Čučo". Tóth was named by imprisoned mafioso Norbert Kosťov as one of the men who kidnapped, assaulted and killed investigative journalist Pavol Rýpal in 2008, allegedly acting on behalf of mafia boss Lajos Sátor for a 10,000‑skk reward.

Tóth has repeatedly denied the accusation, claiming he was in Budapest at the time and that he had previously discussed the case with police. The police have confirmed only that ÚBOK is handling the investigation and have offered no further details. The detention marks the first major development in the 18‑year‑old case, which remains one of Slovakia's most high‑profile unsolved crimes.