Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) started criminal proceedings against officials of the State labour inspectorate (SLI) alleging fictitious employment of persons. The SLI is direct administrative institution supervised by the Ministry of Welfare.
After long-term operational activities it was disclosed that starting from September 2008 up to date officials of the SLI misused their position as several persons were formally hired for the implementation of projects financed from the European social fund and European regional development fund whereas officials of the SLI received undue advantage. In the course of investigation it was established that fictitious employees made regular money transactions to bank accounts of the SLI officials.
Five persons were recognised as suspects under the Article 318 of the Criminal Law (Using Official Position in Bad Faith).
At the moment security measure not related to deprivation of liberty is applied to all the suspects and that is prohibition to hold office.
Pre-trial investigation is still in process and no further information is to be provided at this stage.
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Article 318. Using Official Position in Bad Faith
(1) For a person who, being a State official, commits intentional acts using his or her official position in bad faith, if such acts cause substantial harm to State authority, administrative order or rights and interests protected by law of a person, the applicable sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term not exceeding three years or community service, or a fine not exceeding sixty times the minimum monthly wage, with or without deprivation of the right occupy specified positions for a term of not less than one and not exceeding three years.
(2) For a person who commits the same acts, if serious consequences are caused thereby, or they are committed for purposes of acquiring property, the applicable sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term not exceeding eight years or community service, or a fine not exceeding one hundred and fifty times the minimum monthly wage, with or without deprivation of the right occupy specified positions for a term of not less than one and not exceeding five years.