Appeals court reduces sentences for driving licence fraud in Varnsdorf
The regional court in Ústí nad Labem has reduced custodial sentences for two men involved in an extensive corruption scheme relating to the issue of driving licences in the Děčín area.
Appeals court reduces sentences for driving licence fraud in Varnsdorf
The regional court in Ústí nad Labem on Tuesday reduced custodial sentences for two men involved in an extensive corruption scheme relating to the issue of driving licences in the Děčín area. Radek Šampalík, who worked as an official examiner, was sentenced to five years in prison. His accomplice György Manga, who worked as an interpreter, received a three-year sentence. The original verdict from Děčín had previously imposed sentences of seven and four years respectively.
At least 722 people obtained driving licences illegally through this scheme. Two driving test examiners from a driving school were involved in the manipulation – one of them died before the trial – as well as an interpreter and applicants from across the country. Cameras operating in the examination room for seven months uncovered bribery, whispered hints during tests, exam answers written on behalf of candidates, and other fraudulent practices.
The appellate panel upheld the guilty verdict but concluded that the sanctions from the first instance were excessively strict. In adjusting the sentences, it took into account the time elapsed since the offences were committed and the fact that both convicted men have not committed any further criminal offences since then. The decision is final, although both may lodge an appeal with the Supreme Court.
Šampalík will also retain a ten-year ban on working as a test examiner and in driving schools. The state will forfeit 350,000 crowns and 375 euros seized during a house search. Manga must pay a fine of 600,000 crowns. Administrative authorities have meanwhile declared all driving licences obtained fraudulently to be invalid and have revoked them from their holders.
The accused maintain their innocence. In his closing statement, Šampalík pointed to alleged errors by police during the investigation. He claimed that non-standard fee collection was common practice and that he personally never accepted any bribes. Manga likewise denied having accepted any money.
Source: Novinky.cz