Karel Vémola's car under scrutiny: detectives examine electronics for third month
Police are examining the vehicle of fighter Karel Vémola in search of communications with alleged co-perpetrators. The case involves hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and encrypted applications.
Vémola's car at centre of investigation: electronics and hidden communications
Detectives have been examining fighter Karel Vémola's automobile for the third month, according to CNN Prima News. The vehicle was seized during a house search, and investigators are looking for traces of communications with possible co-perpetrators.
"They have been examining it for three months. They are checking the electronics, various memory storage devices that were in the car. They want to know whether there might be some text messages, whether Karel could have been corresponding with any of the co-accused," described journalist Jiří Hynek.
Police operation in December and charges of cocaine trafficking
A large-scale police operation took place on 23 December. The Rapid Response Unit (URNA) detained Vémola early in the morning as he was heading to hospital. Police and customs officials then searched his house known as Vémoland and also seized the fighter's vehicle.
According to CNN Prima News sources, Vémola was to have acted as an intermediary in transporting drugs from the Czech Republic to the United Kingdom. He was reportedly cooperating with a foreigner Chris M., whom he knew from combat sports circles. Part of the cocaine shipment was also to go to Russia.
Encrypted platforms and intercepted communications
Investigators are, according to available information, focusing on a case involving hundreds of kilograms of cocaine. Members of the group were allegedly coordinating business through the encrypted application SKY ECC. Police are reported to have managed to break this communications channel.
Vémola denies any involvement. "I have no idea how I would have done this or how I would have arranged it without any communication with other people. Well, there isn't anything that proves it to me. It's clearly evident that I did not communicate with any of the accused," he said in his podcast. When asked about the SKY ECC application, he added: "I have no idea what that is. I have a problem even using WhatsApp."
Weakness in the prosecution? Journalist speaks of missing evidence
Hynek also pointed to the limitations of the gathered materials. "It's quite a mystery, because from what I saw in the file, the police do not have much information and evidence against Vémola. In many places the police write that Vémola participated in a cocaine deal at an unknown location and at an unknown time, but there is nothing tangible there," the journalist stated.
According to him, investigators are relying mainly on testimony from confidential witnesses and informants. The group was also to have included a perpetrator operating under the nickname "Očko", who could have been Vémola himself.
Five accused, investigation continues
Police have charged a total of five people. Three are being investigated whilst at liberty, two have been remanded in custody. Some of the accused face sentences of up to eighteen years' imprisonment. The accused are also said to include businessman Antonín Beck.
Police spokesperson Lucie Šmoldasová confirmed that the preparatory proceedings are still ongoing and are not public. "This may, as in other similar types of cases, take several more months," Šmoldasová stated. The details of the investigation will apparently only be fully revealed in any subsequent court proceedings.
Source: CNN Prima News