Gašpar assumed office on 15 May 2012. Over his tenure he has led many high-level investigations,including investigations into corruption and theft within the Government of Slovakia. In February 2018,Gašpar and the Slovak Police came under international media attention after the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak. Gašpar announced that his killing was likely to "have something to do with [Kuciak’s] investigative activities". At the time of his murder,Kuciak was working on a report about the Slovak connections of the 'Ndrangheta.[3] The National Police and Government offered €1 million for information leading to the arrest of the murderers.[4][5][6] Gaspar resigned in April 2018
Controversies and allegations surrounding Tibor Gašpar
Purgatory corruption case
In 2020,Gašpar was charged in the so-called Purgatory case,a high-profile corruption trial alleging that he and businessman Norbert Bödör created and led an organised criminal network inside the Slovak police. Prosecutors claim the group obstructed investigations,manipulated police work,and shielded political and business allies. The trial has been described as a landmark test of Slovakia’s ability to confront systemic corruption.[8][9]
Allegations of politicisation
Observers and prosecutors have accused Gašpar of overseeing a politicised police force during his leadership. Reports allege that criminal probes were obstructed or selectively pursued to protect allies of the ruling party.[10]
Nepotism concerns
In 2024 Gašpar’s son,Pavol Gašpar,was appointed as head of Slovakia’s intelligence service. The decision prompted accusations of nepotism and sparked criticism that security institutions were being politicised.[11]
Controversial statements
In September 2025,Gašpar compared Ukraine to Hamas during a televised debate,claiming that Russia's invasion of Ukraine had been "provoked". The remarks were widely condemned in Slovakia and internationally as echoing Kremlin propaganda narratives.[12]
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