This is reported by Bloomberg.
In Slovakia, the court has sentenced the head of the central bank and European Central Bank representative Peter Kazimir, finding him guilty of corruption. According to the court’s decision, Kazimir was fined 200,000 euros, Bloomberg reports.
If Kazimir does not pay the fine, he may face up to one year in prison. The official intends to appeal the decision in the appellate court.
According to the charges, Kazimir received a bribe of 48,000 euros while serving as finance minister. He allegedly expedited the VAT reimbursement process for certain companies in exchange for this money.
Currently, Kazimir remains in his position at the Slovak central bank until June 1 and continues to fulfill his duties at the European Central Bank.
Peter Kazimir is one of the key figures in Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government, who was also convicted of corruption crimes. During his leadership, more than 40 high-ranking officials, judges, police officers, and businessmen have been convicted in Slovakia for corruption offenses.