Swedish TV suggests Kavan offered to influence police investigation

Swedish television has broadcast an interview with former Czech foreign minister Jan Kavan, in which he seems to indicate he could use his influence to slow down a possible investigation into alleged bribery linked to a large military contract. The Swedish reporters, posing as arms traders, recorded the interview secretly. Mr Kavan has denied saying he could influence the Czech police; he told Czech Television that last month he had filed charges against the reporters for asking him to do so.

Police in the Czech Republic, Sweden and Britain are investigating whether bribery took place in connection with the Czech Republic's planned purchase and subsequent lease of Gripen fighter jets from Sweden's Saab and Britain's BAE Systems. The Social Democratic Party of which Mr. Kavan is a member, has urged him to contact the police and give them whatever information he has pertaining to the case. The Czech Defense Ministry has said it may commission its inspection team to look into the matter as well.