Fico: USP Knew of Suspicions of Tax Fraud by Matovic and Failed to Act

Bratislava, January 10 (TASR) - The Special Prosecutor's Office had information at its disposal concerning suspicions of tax fraud committed by opposition MP and ex-premier Igor Matovic ('Slovakia' party) and his wife but hasn't taken any action in the matter, Prime Minister Robert Fico stated at a press conference held along with MP Tibor Gaspar (both Smer-SD) on Wednesday. Gaspar pointed to alleged tax frauds Matovic had supposedly committed, alluding to testimony from cooperating defendant Ludovit Mako. "In relation to Regionpress firm, we encountered a lady who used to be a close associate of Mr. Matovic as well as one of the Regionpress managers, and who optimalised tax duties of Regionpress and other companies via various fictitious chains and routed them towards Cyprus and Austria," claimed Gaspar. In his view, Regionpress likely optimalised €11.3 million worth of taxes and the Special Prosecutor's Office was aware of these suspicions, too. "[Special Prosecutor] Daniel Lipsic is a humble lackey of Mr. Matovic and that's the main reason why Matovic is fighting so hard on behalf of Lipsic and the Special Prosecutor's Office... Matovic is well aware what it means if Lipsic ceases to exist as his protector in activities that stink of the most serious economic crimes," added Fico. mf/mcs