The Czech Republic's largest health insurer, VZP (General Health Insurance Company), has confirmed that law enforcement officers carried out investigative actions at its headquarters. At the same time, searches were conducted at several pharmaceutical companies across the country as part of an operation led by the National Centre against Organised Crime (NCOZ).
"Today, procedural actions by the authorities conducting the criminal proceedings began at VZP's headquarters. Management and all staff are providing investigators with full and maximum possible cooperation. Our main interest is a transparent and thorough investigation of the entire case," said VZP spokeswoman Viktorie Plívová.
According to her, the insurance company is currently actively handing over all requested data, documents and other materials needed for the investigation to the relevant authorities.
David Kolář, director of the Association of Innovative Pharmaceutical Industry (AIFP), confirmed that the NCOZ raid affected several pharmaceutical firms at once.
"We have received information about the NCOZ inspection. All member companies of the association that have been contacted by investigators are fully cooperating with the NCOZ and providing maximum assistance. The investigation does not concern our member companies but a third party," Kolář stressed.
Details about the reasons for and subject of the investigation have not yet been disclosed.
Source: novinky.cz