Another person arrested in Prague corruption scandal

Former financial deputy director and board member of the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP), Matej Augustin, was remanded in custody on Wednesday, the fifth person to be arrested of the twelve implicated in the corruption scandal surrounding the company. According to Seznam Zpravy, an organized crime group masterminded by businessman Michal Redl installed Mr. Augustin to the DPP board in order to let him manipulate public procurement and ensure bribes.

When the prosecution of other persons implicated in the case began, Mr. Augustin was staying in Slovakia, where he is from. He returned on Monday and was questioned and charged. Last Wednesday, DPP dismissed Mr. Augustin from its board.

The scandal has rocked the Mayors and Independents party, inducing Education Minister Petr Gazdik to resign on Sunday. One of the twelve accused, telecommunications businessman Petr Adam, died on Monday.