Two dozen ČEZ employees charged with extortion

More than two dozen employees of the energy giant ČEZ have been charged with extortion. The police have accused 26 members of the company’s “anti-theft unit” of using extortion tactics against energy consumers in 48 cases. The state-owned power company has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks over its methods of dealing with debtors. Graphic video footage depicting the paramilitary-style training of the company’s anti theft unit was leaked to the media, as was a video showing a man, suspected of stealing electricity, allegedly having committed suicide. ČEZ has admitted that the anti-theft squad had made “mistakes” in the past. However, a company spokesman said the squad needed proper training as they often deal with criminal gangs stealing electricity.