Slovenia NPU charges eight over Telekom Slovenije financing of Nova24TV

The National Investigation Bureau (NPU) has filed criminal charges against eight individuals following a three-year investigation into the illegal financing of the television station Nova24TV by Telekom Slovenije. The case has been referred to the Special State Prosecutor's Office for a decision on whether to initiate a judicial investigation.

The suspects, who reportedly include several former executives of Telekom Slovenije, are accused of abuse of position or aiding in such a crime. It is alleged that Telekom Slovenije, which is majority state-owned, caused damages exceeding three million euros by overpaying for the broadcasting rights of Nova24TV and other stations.

Reports indicate that the scheme involved payments made through an intermediary, the Institute for Copyright (IZAP), shortly after a change in government in 2020. Among those previously identified in connection with the investigation are former Telekom board president Tomaž Seljak, former board members Tomaž Jontes and Matjaž Beričič, and former labor director Špela Fortin.