Power giant ČEZ under spotlight after images of paramilitary training, suicide

Czech state controlled energy giant ČEZ is at the centre of a scandal over shocking images relating to a special division for dealing with electricity theft. Images have shown training exercises where members of the company’s special squad look like paramilitary commandoes. Another film was taken by employees after a customer suspected of stealing committed suicide.

Two sets of images released on Tuesday have put the spotlight on ČEZ’s anonymous sounding division for non-technical losses. This deals with customers suspected of stealing electricity.

ČEZ special squad training, photo: CTK

One set of images show workers undergoing military style training exercises which include firing pistols at targets, handling grenades and surrounding an occupied site. They are twinned with shots of workers escorting what appear to be half-naked prisoners with masks on their heads and others cutting off the head of a live chicken.

Another video was taken when members of ČEZ’s squad were called to the house of one suspect. He was found in a pool of blood at his workshop after apparently committing suicide.

Both sets of images were released by a lawyer who is representing around 140 families accused of stealing electricity. The lawyer says they form part of the evidence from a police investigation into the ČEZ squad. He says its members are armed with pistols and knives when they go calling on non-paying customers.

That is a charge which is rigorously denied by spokesman Martin Pavlíček.

“This is not a true statement. Every time our team which is dealing with technical losses of electricity goes to check a customer they never use arms and have never used them in the past.”

Mr. Pavlíček says the special training was only carried out in 2004 and 2005 in response to a specific threat which had arisen to the power company’s employees.

“Our employees were repeatedly attacked by members of an organised group that installs equipment to steal electricity. We have situations where our employees were held at gunpoint, people who used dogs against them. So for this reason we contacted agencies which provided an expert insight, psychologists and psychiatrists who said these people are working under immense pressure and they have to be prepared for these situations not only theoretically but also practically. So there is a reason, because the conditions under which this group is working are extremely stressful.”

He says members of the anti-theft squad and their families are still threatened. Workers are physically and verbally attacked at work, so self-defence skills are called for. Last year, the squad uncovered 86 cases where gangs cultivating marihuana stole power with raids taking place when individuals are under the influence of drugs.

Mr. Pavlíček says the suicide video was doctored to give the impression it occurred when the special ČEZ squad called.

Politicians and human rights groups have condemned the company with demands made for the squad to be disbanded. ČEZ’s top boss on Wednesday admitted some incompetence when it was created, but defended its overall record.