Close ally of former Czech leader convicted of fraud

PRAGUE, Czech Republic – A Czech appeals court has ruled that a close friend and adviser of former Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek is guilty of fraud and sentenced him to four years in prison.

A lower court in February gave Marek Dalik five years in prison. He was accused of asking for 18 million euros ($20.1 million) in 2007 at a meeting with managers from Steyr, an Austrian unit of U.S. General Dynamics Corp. In exchange, Dalik promised to use his influence to save a $1.3 billion deal for the company.

A previous government signed a deal with Steyr in 2006 to deliver armoured vehicles.

Topolanek’s government cancelled the deal in 2007, saying Steyr had breached the contract, but later signed a different deal.

In Tuesday’s final verdict, Prague’s High Court also fined Dalik.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles