Banská Bystrica, Slovakia – Jozef Brhel, a prominent businessman with close ties to the Smer party, has been convicted in the “Mýtnik” (Toll Collector) corruption case, receiving a four-year suspended sentence and a record-breaking fine of €1.5 million. The verdict, delivered Tuesday by the Specialized Criminal Court, marks a significant development in a long-running investigation into alleged corruption surrounding IT tenders for Slovakia’s financial administration between 2013 and 2018.
Brhel, along with his son Jozef Brhel Jr., former State Secretary Radko Kuruc, and businessman Miroslav Slahučka, were found guilty of offenses including breach of duty in the management of foreign property, manipulation of public procurement and public auctions, money laundering, and accepting bribes. While all denied the charges, the court found sufficient evidence to secure convictions. The case centers around allegations of inflated IT contracts and illicit financial flows.
Brhel Family and Associates Sentenced
Jozef Brhel Sr. Was sentenced to four years’ probation, with the substantial €1.5 million fine. His son, Jozef Brhel Jr., received a four-year suspended sentence and a fine of €1.2 million. Kuruc was sentenced to 28 months’ probation and a €60,000 fine, while Slahučka received a 20-month suspended sentence and a €10,000 fine. The court acquitted lawyers Martin Bahleda and Milan Grega of all charges. The ruling is not yet final, as all three convicted individuals – Jozef Brhel Sr., Jozef Brhel Jr., and Miroslav Slahučka – have already filed appeals.
The sentences, while representing a conviction, are significantly less severe than they would have been prior to recent amendments to Slovakia’s penal code under the current government led by Robert Fico. Before the changes, both Brhels could have faced between 12 and 20 years in prison for the offenses committed, according to reports.
The Mýtnik Scandal: A Web of IT Contracts and Alleged Corruption
The court determined that Jozef Brhel Sr. Colluded with businessman Michal Suchoba to gain a stake in the company Allexis, which subsequently secured lucrative contracts worth nearly €60 million for IT systems within the financial administration between 2014 and 2019. These systems included Alladin (tax auditor control), eKasa virtual cash register, and other control systems. The prosecution argued that the parties had pre-arranged to share the multi-million euro revenues, with Brhel’s influence ensuring Allexis won the contracts. Brhel then allegedly connected Suchoba with his son, Jozef Brhel Jr., to establish a network of companies linked to Allexis.
The court found that the Brhels created a mechanism to conceal the origin and proceeds of the criminal activity, facilitated by manipulation of public procurement processes. Through this scheme, both Jozef Brhel Sr. And Jozef Brhel Jr. Allegedly profited by nearly €6 million. Brhel Sr. Was also convicted of accepting bribes in connection with the scheme.
Judge Ján Hrubala, presiding over the senate, emphasized that the decision was based on evidence, stating, “We are not Judge Lynch, we did not decide according to the influence of politicians, but according to evidence.”
What’s Next in the Mýtnik Case?
The prosecution has a period to decide whether to appeal the court’s decision. The case remains a focal point of public attention in Slovakia, raising questions about the extent of corruption within the country’s public procurement processes and the influence of politically connected individuals. The outcome of any appeals will be closely watched, as will the broader implications of the recent changes to Slovakia’s penal code on future corruption cases.
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