Police have accused former ANO lawmaker Margita Balaštíková of trying to influence inspections by the Zlín regional hygiene authority, Czech media reported on Friday. The case has now moved into a new phase. Police say they are handling allegations against three people in total, including Balaštíková. Investigators suspect misuse of official power and alleged favouritism. Balaštíková has repeatedly denied the allegations, and she previously described the recordings linked to the case as forged. The matter surfaced publicly last summer after Seznam Zprávy published audio recordings. In the recordings, Balaštíková allegedly discussed using her influence over the management of the hygiene authority. The reported target was inspections connected to a company associated with her former husband, Josef Balaštík. Media reports say the plan was aimed at pushing controls for ChemProgres, where he is described as the company’s director. A police spokesman for the Zlín region confirmed to the Czech Press Agency that the investigation involves three suspects. Prosecutors will now let the matter proceed in court, where the accused’s guilt will be assessed.