Arrests in Slovakia

Last week the Slovakian Police carried out a number of house searches and arrested nine persons in Slovakia, five of whom have since been released. In addition several premises were searched and items seized for examination and evidential purposes. Four of those arrested have now been accused of first-degree murder. The arrests are linked to the murder of the Slovakian journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée, Martina Kušnírová, on 21 February 2018.

At the request of the Slovakian authorities, Europol has provided analytical and forensic support from the earliest days of the investigation. Europol also took part in the preparation of the actions carried out last week. Throughout the investigation, Europol has regularly deployed staff to Slovakia, who coordinated cross-border investigative activities and provided analytical, tactical and digital forensic support on firearms and organised crime.