**Czech Authorities Investigate Drone Shipments to Ukraine**
The Czech government is investigating claims that unauthorized drones were shipped from the country to Ukraine. This was reported by the news outlet Ceske Noviny on February 9, citing Defense Minister Jana Cernochova.
**Concerns Over Military Equipment**
The investigation is focused on a project called Nemesis, which aimed to raise funds for drones to be sent to Ukraine. However, it appears that some members of Skupina D association may have supplied these drones without proper authorization from the Czech parliament. According to Aktualne.cz, this may have involved Czech military personnel.
**Possible Military Involvement**
A spokesperson for the Czech military police confirmed that authorities are looking into possible unauthorized handling of Defense Ministry property and the use of military personnel outside their tasks. This includes allegations that members of the 601st Special Forces Group transported military equipment to Ukraine without proper approval.
**Investigation Launched**
Defense Minister Cernochova has stated that an investigation is necessary, despite initial concerns raised by her last year over the participation of the Czech Army‘s General Staff in the Nemesis initiative. The inspection was launched after she voiced these concerns and also investigated the use of military facilities for drone testing.
**Background on Nemesis Initiative**
The Nemesis drone initiative has been widely supported by the public, raising over 203 million Czech crowns (approximately $8.5 million) to supply drones to Ukraine. However, controversy surrounds the project due to allegations of unauthorized shipments and potential involvement of Czech military personnel. The relationship between Defense Minister Cernochova and Chief of Staff General Karel Rehka has been strained over disputes regarding defense procurement.
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