Former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis faces fraud trial
Former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis is going on trial in a $2 million fraud case involving European Union subsidies
Former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis faces fraud trial
Show all 2Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis went on trial on Monday in a $2 million fraud case involving European Union subsidies.
The case involves a farm known as the Stork’s Nest that received EU subsidies after its ownership was transferred from the Babis-owned Agrofert conglomerate of around 250 companies to Babis’ family members. Later, Agrofert again took ownership of the farm.
The subsidies were meant for medium- and small-sized businesses, and Agrofert wouldn’t have been eligible for them.
Agrofert later returned the subsidy.
Lawmakers have had to lift Babis’ immunity from prosecution three times in the course of the years in the case that dates to 2007.
Prague’s public prosecution office completed the review of the case in March and went ahead with Babis’ indictment. It was repeatedly recommended by police investigators.
Babis, a populist billionaire, denies any wrongdoing and has repeatedly said the allegations against him were politically motivated.
He was present at Prague’s Municipal Court on Monday. His former associate, Jana Nagyova, stood trial with him.
The prosecution asked for suspended sentences and fines for them. It's not immediately clear when a verdict might be issued.
Babis’ ANO political movement lost the parliamentary election in October. A coalition of five parties formed a new government, and ANO ended up in opposition.
He is currently considering running for the largely ceremonial post of the country's president.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.