Slovakia emerged as a key focus in the widening extortion case involving German baby food producer HiPP, after authorities confirmed contaminated jars had been placed directly in a local supermarket.
According to investigators, the extortion plot specifically targeted a Tesco store in Dunajska Streda, where two jars of baby food were allegedly tampered with and laced with rat poison. Slovak police said both items were swiftly identified and removed before they could be purchased.
“All suspicious products corresponding to information from foreign partners were immediately secured. It was also verified that none of the affected jars were sold to consumers,” police said.
The case began with an extortion email sent to HiPP’s headquarters on March 27, in which the perpetrator demanded EUR 2 million and threatened to poison baby food products across Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Austria.
The message went unnoticed until mid-April, prompting German authorities to alert police in all three countries. By that time, some contaminated jars had already been placed in stores.
Investigators believe the products were tampered with only after reaching retail shelves, ruling out a failure in the manufacturing process.
Following the discovery, Tesco withdrew all HiPP products from sale across Slovakia as a precaution, even though only two jars were suspected. Other retailers have continued selling the products, citing assurances from the manufacturer that the incident is unrelated to production.
Laboratory testing is being conducted by the State Veterinary and Food Institute Bratislava to exclude further contamination. Meanwhile, Slovakia’s public health authorities have launched inspections across retail chains, warehouses, pharmacies and care facilities.
Police have opened a criminal case on suspicion of public endangerment and say they are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry. The suspect remains at large, with investigators cooperating internationally. (The Slovak Spectator)