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Czech authorities have arrested 22 people over suspected corruption at the country’s largest hospital, involving 160 million euros ($167.45 million) in European Union funds, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) said Monday.
More than 350 police officers carried out 46 searches at the hospital, commercial properties, and a law firm as part of the investigation.
The EPPO said 16 people have been charged with corruption, subsidy fraud, money laundering, and damaging the EU’s financial interests. They allegedly manipulated public procurement processes by demanding and providing illicit payments for contracts at Motol University Hospital in Prague. Each suspect faces charges based on their individual involvement, the agency said.
The EPPO described the case as “serious corruption” involving projects funded or co-funded by the EU through the Czech National Recovery Plan and the European Cohesion Fund, with a total value exceeding 160 million euros.
