A high-ranking official at the Czech Ministry of Transport is facing scrutiny over a potential conflict of interest involving millions of crowns in public contracts awarded to a company with deep personal ties to the director. The allegations center on a complex web of corporate ownership and shared addresses that suggest a government insider may have maintained influence over a firm receiving substantial state funding.
The investigation focuses on a department director, identified as Skovajsa, and the company RoadMedia. While official records indicate that Skovajsa sold his shares in RoadMedia in 2012, the company continues to operate out of a residential building in Prague 7—the same address the official has listed as his permanent residence. This geographic overlap has raised questions about whether the divestment was a genuine transfer of ownership or a strategic move to bypass ethics laws while retaining control.
Further complicating the matter is the presence of another entity, Neodual, which shares the same office space. Neodual is owned by Ján Skovajsa Sr., the director’s father. This arrangement has led to suspicions that the corporate structure was designed to shield the official’s interests while ensuring the family-linked business remained a primary contractor for the state.
A Portfolio of Public Contracts
Data from public procurement trackers reveals that RoadMedia has secured government contracts valued at more than 90 million CZK. The vast majority of these funds originated from three key organizations: the Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD), the Railway Administration (SŽ), and the State Fund for Transport Infrastructure (SFDI). All three organizations fall under the direct jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport.
Critics point to a stark disparity between the company’s operational capacity and the volume of function it has been awarded. RoadMedia reportedly employs only one person, yet it has handled a diverse range of high-value tasks, including the production of presentations and promotional leaflets. In one instance, the firm was paid 270,000 CZK for the foreign language translation and processing of a presentation regarding the South Bohemian section of the D3 motorway.
The timeline of these awards is particularly sensitive. While the company has a long history of contracting, its most recent successful bid occurred in 2023—roughly two years after Skovajsa assumed his current directorial position at the ministry.
Financial Overlap and Perks
Beyond the corporate contracts, the official’s personal financial arrangements have come under fire. Reports indicate that Skovajsa receives a salary as a high-level manager at the Ministry of Transport while simultaneously receiving additional remuneration directly from the Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD).
This dual payment stream is viewed as highly irregular, given that the official’s office within the ministry is tasked with the oversight and control of the ŘSD. Adding to the concerns is the official’s use of a service vehicle provided by the remarkably agency he is supposed to regulate.
| Funding Agency | Ministry Oversight | Contract Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD) | Direct | Presentations, Logistics, Translations |
| Railway Administration (SŽ) | Direct | Communications and Promotional Materials |
| State Fund for Transport Infrastructure (SFDI) | Direct | Administrative and Technical Presentations |
Ministry Response and Next Steps
The Minister of Transport, Martin Kupka, has acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. In a statement, the minister emphasized that the claims regarding a conflict of interest are grave and have prompted immediate action. He has formally requested that the ministry’s internal audit department conduct a full investigation into the matter.
The minister stated that if the audit confirms a breach of rules or a conflict of interest, he is prepared to take immediate and appropriate disciplinary steps. A spokesperson for the minister, František Jemelka, added that the administration is currently gathering all necessary documentation from across the resort to ensure an objective and comprehensive evaluation of the situation.
The case highlights ongoing challenges regarding transparency in the Czech public sector, specifically concerning how high-ranking officials manage previous business interests when transitioning into roles that oversee the distribution of state funds.
The outcome of the internal audit will be the next critical checkpoint in this case. Once the findings are submitted to the minister’s office, it will be determined whether the matter will be referred to law enforcement for a criminal investigation into potential breach of duty or corruption.
What we have is a developing story. We invite our readers to share their perspectives on government transparency in the comments below.
