Original subtitles

A tremendous tragedy - such can be said of the death

of Central Energy CEO Daniel Vlcek...

There's been much speculation as to what was behind the tragic event.

-Vlcek was known to have been in trouble. -CE had expanded abroad on his watch...

Police have yet to make a statement, and the family has so far kept silent...

Mr Vlcek was without a doubt a huge figure on the Czech energy market...

What do I think? That if you sow the wind, you reap the whirlwind.

No one knows anything, no one is talking, it's almost as if

no one wanted to know what really happened to Daniel Vlcek...

THE SACRIFICE

Have you gotten anything out of Vlcek's computer yet?

No, not yet.

Nothing of any use to us.

-Okay, well let me know as soon as you find something out. -OK, Bye.

Mr Vlcek?

-Leave me alone. -I need to talk to you.

I know exactly who you are, get out of here.

I know who Sofie is.

ONE WEEK EARLIER

Marie!

ARE YOU GOING TO PRINT IT?

I NEED TO KNOW IT'S NOT A HOAX

I CAN SEND IT TO ANOTHER PAPER IF YOU'RE NOT INTERESTED

I AM INTERESTED.

I WANT TO MEET WITH YOU. I NEED TO KNOW MY SOURCE.

I'LL THINK ABOUT IT.

-Another coffee? -You keeping tabs on me?

-Hello. -Hello.

-Hi! -Hey.

-Two espressos, please. You'll have one, won't you? -Of course.

Max says my article on the Central Energy privatization isn't well-sourced enough.

He keeps making me do it over.

It's the privatization of one of the biggest energy companies in Europe.

He can't afford a mistake. He's giving you a chance.

-Want water? -Yeah.

-Here. -Thanks.

Still, I admire you for getting into this.

It'll be the end of him, do you realize that?

And what do you think I should do? Let it go?

Maybe you should remind yourself why you're doing it.

I'M SENDING MORE. THAT WILL CONVINCE YOU.

Where's my coffee?

STATE TO SELL SHARES IN CENTRAL ENERGY

Come on in.

She sent me the numbers. I know how much he took in bribes, and when.

We started this case.

It's only thanks to my articles that the police started taking an interest,

and now I finally have real evidence.

Max!

The CEO of Central Energy is taking money from somebody who wants it privatized.

It's a clear opening. Have you seen the material?

-I have. -And?

-It's massive. -So we run it tomorrow?

You know what it's going to do to the stock exchange when we run this?

I just want to be 100% certain before I lose somebody millions.

-I'll have more. -More of what?

All the accounting data, dates, emails, hard copies on everything.

Clear proof that this privatization stinks to high heaven.

That the CEO of CE is taking money to manipulate the tender.

-Get the police to verify it. -Jesus, are you hearing me?

Thanks to my source we've got a head start. The police don't know anything.

-Max! -On my way.

Bye.

Hi.

How sure are we on this?

-Moderately. -Moderately...

This is big. Really fucking big.

You don't have to tell me.

Our whole legal department is working on it, I pulled people off leave.

-I hope this isn't just some bad joke. -His source promised him more information.

When?

-Do we have any idea who it is? -No.

But you know as well as I do, that not just anyone gets to information like that.

It must be someone from Vlcek's innermost circle.

His successor?

How do we proceed now?

We wait to see what else Sofie comes up with.

We've got more than enough already.

If we delay then we risk somebody else running it first.

I'm not new at this job. It could still be a sham.

But you don't think it is?

Goodbye.

Good morning.

Welcome to the press conference.

Central Energy, andprimarily its CEO, Daniel Vlcek,

have, for several weeks now, been the targets of unprecedented pressure

from the media in the attempt to damage its reputation.

The whole alleged corruption affair is damaging

both to the good name of the company and Mr Vlcek,

which is very problematic in light of the privatization being prepared.

Is it true that the police are also investigating Central Energy?

Yes, I can confirm that the case is being handled by the police,

for whom we have voluntarily provided all necessary documents.

Share prices in CE are very high, a case like this could send them falling...

Are you seeing this?

It's in full swing, and it's our scoop, run it.

Then tell me who your source is.

-You want a name? -I don't care about the name.

I care whether you believe them enough to set this in motion.

Central Energy is fully cooperating with the police on their investigation.

-We have nothing to hide... -I've got a meeting with her.

When?

-Today. -Regarding these claims emerging from the daily Kontext

their facts are completely out of context, or are else half-truths and utter lies.

We feel that the media and particularly the daily Kontext,

which was the first to come up with these unsubstantiated accusations,

has damaged us and continues to do so, which is why we've decided

to defend ourselves in court, and we will soon be filing a lawsuit against them.

We're famous!

The last important thing we have to say

is that despite the untruthfulness of all these accusations,

Central Energy CEO Daniel Vlcek has made the decision,

effective today, to step down from his position

in order to facilitate a smooth investigation of the case.

Your questions? Only two if you please.

Is not the resignation of the CEO more of an admission of wrongdoing?

He's protecting his name and that of his family and the company as a whole.

You can't deny that under Daniel Vlcek, Central Energy has done exceedingly well.

It has successfully expanded through the purchase of foreign energy companies,

it has become a major international company.

Can you foresee Daniel Vlcek returning to his post if proven innocent?

Of course that is possible.

For Daniel Vlcek, the entire affair has been exhausting and draining.

Central Energy appreciates his work, just as Mr Vlcek

appreciates the company enough to know what's best for its future.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

Will the affair around Mr Vlcek influence the privatization of CE in any way?

We said two questions. Thank you for your attention,

the press conference is over. Goodbye.

Did your source tell you that?

That article's got to run tomorrow. There's no doubt after this.

We still don't know what Sofie wants?

Maybe nothing, maybe justice. Does it matter?

They're cleaning house. Whatever the reason for it, it's apparently working.

What exactly do we have right now?

Financial sums, dates, account numbers.

Proof that Dan Vlcek is taking money and the whole privatization is a sham.

Do you know what this means, if it's true?

The people supposed to be watching over CE have their political futures on the line.

The Ministry of Finance.

More like the whole government, when it's a company that big.

We can't fuck this up, otherwise we're finished.

-How does it look? -Still the same.

It's not often that the CEO of the biggest Czech company quits of his own free will.

-Are we sticking to our version of the story? -Yeah.

You resigned to calm the situation around the company,

which was being attacked by the media.

Fine.

And you're considering suing Kontext.

That should distract them for a while.

What's this?

The state of things.

What I didn't have time to finish.

You know the rules of the game. They don't change.

Well good luck then.

You know you're going to need it.

-Hi, how are you holding up? -Hi. I've been better.

But worse too I think.

-Do you need anything? -No, thanks.

I have to go.

Sure. I understand.

Thanks for calling.

-Look, that's him. Mr Vlcek! -Mr Vlcek!

Mr Vlcek!

-Can we get a statement? -Mr Vlcek!

-Hi. -Hi.

If you want to eat all they have left is salad.

I think I'll have a shot, by the looks of you.

Sofie.

She sent me bank statements, exact amounts.

The payments came from several companies, foreign ones. They all lead to Daniel.

He might go to jail, you know that?

-Why are you telling me that? -Because you want me to set this rolling.

You, who are always going on about journalistic ethics.

I'm just saying you should think hard about whether

you want to have your name on your brother's sentence, that's it.

You know damn well it's a huge conflict of interests.

MOM

The head of electricity giant Central Energy Daniel Vlcek has resigned.

The decision comes in response to claims of bribery made by the daily Kontext.

The news comes at the worst possible time for the country's largest energy company.

Daniel Vlcek had been preparing the company for privatization.

The resignation of the director is not CE's only problem, however.

The case is also being investigated by the police.

Good morning.

Hi.

-Hi. -Hey.

-Hiya. -Hey.

-Oh, Stella? -Yeah? -The boss wants you.

-What does he want? -I dunno.

-You wanted to talk to me? -Yeah, have a seat.

I assume I do not have to introduce the state prosecutor.

Miss Nemeckova is working on the Central Energy case.

Lt Col Uher says you've repeatedly made reports about someone trying

to break in to your computer.

Yeah and everyone has repeatedly ignored it.

The inspection didn't back it up.

Did they get to anything important?

I assume an expert such as yourself has her files secured.

They didn't get anything. But I know they tried.

Do you know Petr Vlcek?

The journalist?

Only as a name in the papers. He does the big cases.

At the moment the one involving his brother, Daniel Vlcek.

We suspect someone's leaking confidential information from your investigation.

That's not possible.

Why?

Because only you and I have access to that file.

-If you're trying to suggest that I... -We're not suggesting anything.

But you have to admit, it's a bit odd that Petr Vlcek has this information.

He has to be getting it from somewhere.

That will be all. You can go.

Why is the state prosecutor's office so interested in this case?

It's an important case that involves the country's economy.

-Fine, but what does it have to do with... -Stella...

You can go.

-Goodbye. -Bye. -Goodbye.

What the fuck?

-Hi. -Hi.

-Hey. -Hi.

You alright?

Just very tired.

You should talk to him about it.

He's not a 5-year-old, he's grown up.

I'll have a coffee, then I have to go upstairs.

Maybe this one.

So, for those of you who don't know yet...

Tomorrow we run with Petr's mystery source.

We've got proof that Daniel Vlcek was bribed by a foreign investor

who's involved in the privatization of Central Energy.

We'll use your article, Marie, but it needs to be revised

so it doesn't repeat Petr's material.

-And you're seriously okay with bringing down your own brother? -Marie...

-I'm just curious. -Take care of the task at hand.

I want your article re-written in an hour.

-Martin, see if you can find something out about those foreign companies. -OK.

We're about to really kick the hornet's nest.

So no nonsense. We can't fuck this up.

As to who will replace Daniel Vlcek as head of CE, we can only speculate.

-Michal, can I get you anything? -No.

...and together they brought CE into it's glory days.

Daniel Vlcek has been under fire from the media for a long time,

particularly in the daily Kontext.

Vlcek is suspected of corruption and the police are looking into the case...

Dan?

-...bad news, not just for the now-former director... -Dan!

...but especially for Central Energy itself.

-Dan! -...How the unexpected resignation could affect the upcoming privatization,

-that is a question for economist Josef Machacek. Good evening...

Dan?

Dan!

Can't you hear me?

Sorry.

No.

How are you feeling?

Fine.

What are we going to do?

We'll manage.

You have to trust me.

Did you have to do it?

It's complicated.

Do you remember what I told you when we met?

That I don't understand the things you do, but I want to understand them someday.

I hope so.

I love you.

I knew I was marrying the right one.

Central Energy director Daniel Vlcek has resigned.

The company made the announcement at a special press conference today.

Vlcek himself has not commented on the decision.

Vlcek has long been under fire from the media, especially in the daily Kontext.

Vlcek is suspected of corruption and the police are looking into the case.

Central Energy is without a boss after the director of many years, Daniel Vlcek,

resigned amid accusations of corruption.

-Is it true? -We have already taken the first steps towards prosecution...

I don't want to lie to you.

-Then don't. -For CE, and the state, which is the majority shareholder...

I had to make a lot of decisions. That's what the job's all about.

That's how I got the company where I did.

Not all the decisions I made were the right ones.

Sometimes they weren't even mine, I just didn't have any choice.

But now I want to make up for it.

I don't want to be anyone's puppet anymore.

Then why aren't you defending yourself?

Because I want it to end.

Happy birthday.

My birthday's next month.

They didn't have time to deliver the motorcycle,

but it'll be waiting for you on your birthday.

I've got to go to town for something, but I'll be right back.

-And could you drop me off there? -What's up?

-I'm going for a beer with the lads. -Oh for a beer!

When should we expect you back?

You shouldn't.

Thanks dad.

And one final question: How much could the Czech state make from the sale of CE?

-See you. -Bye.

...absent any information on the course of negotiations,

I, for one, would guess that the price won't go below 70-75 billion.

Economist Josef Machacek there, I thank you for the interview.

May I?

Would you mind putting your name on tomorrow's article?

Feel free to say no if it seems daft.

-It's your case. -I know.

Max is okay with it?

It's his idea, actually. He's right. It's a conflict of interests.

Well, alright.

Thanks.

Petr?

Hi Dan.

Could you come over?

Daniel, I don't know if that's really a good idea.

I need to talk to you. Please.

Alright.

I'll be there in 20 minutes.

Bye.

You here to do a victory dance in front of him?

You're a bastard, Petr.

-Look... -He's your brother. He would never do this to you.

-Hi. -Hi.

Thanks for coming so soon.

-Dan, I... -You don't have to explain anything to me.

It was a random tip-off, I didn't know it would lead to you.

And if you did, would you have acted differently?

I guess not.

I know you wouldn't.

You're a chip off the old block.

At least someone got dad's yearning for truth and justice.

He gave up on it with me eventually.

You just can't figure out the "why" of it, can you?

You think you understand it all, that you've seen through the game,

but you really don't know anything.

Then explain it to me.

I've had this for over 25 years. Can you believe that?

I got it when I was still in school.

I've always been fascinated by its invincibility.

Trees are interesting because their looks deceive.

You see a tree, and you think you see everything, but you only see the surface.

Everything important is happening underground, by the roots.

But no one cares about that.

At least not at first.

What am I doing here?

I wanted to ask you for a favour.

I want you to look after my family. Michal especially.

He's an adult now.

You're going to get two years, max. With your lawyers, maybe not even that.

-More like a suspended sentence. -This isn't about me anymore.

In the end, it's always about the children.

You've still got that old clunker?

Sure. It's still holding together.

A real veteran.

Well, thanks.

Me too.

Don't forget what you promised me.

Okay.

-See you. -Bye.

FALL OF THE BOSS OF CENTRAL ENERGY

Fuck, fuck, fuck!

RECTORY

Petr, welcome! Come in. It's raining buckets, eh?

You should have said you were coming. You're soaked.

What brings you here so late?

I was at the police station.

Is something wrong, Petr?

Is everything alright?

Dan's killed himself.

-He committed suicide. -Jesus Christ...

Jesus Christ, no.

Daniel Vlcek, for many years the CEO of Central Energy, is dead.

According to available information, he committed suicide at home last night.

Sources near the house say that two cars left the scene at time in question,

one with the victim's wife Eva Vlckova.

A short while later an unknown man left in a second car. Police remain on site.

The news is all the more shocking as it comes only a day after Vlcek's resignation.

Police!

Police! Nobody move! Everyone stay where you are.

-Nobody move! -We have a warrant to find and confiscate any evidence

relating to the Central Energy case.

What the hell is this supposed to mean?

Commandos with machine guns? Overdoing it a bit, aren't you?

The building's managed by a private security company. We didn't want any risks.

We're journalists, not terrorists, for Christ's sake!

-You have no right to do this! -We do, Mr Vlcek.

I'm sorry about your brother, of course. My condolences.

We are a daily newspaper, goddamit.

How do you think we can do tomorrow's issue if you confiscate our computers?

We're going to need all information regarding your brother and Central Energy.

-I have a legal right to protect my source. -Your source may have killed your brother.

We need to know the information you received was accurate.

I know it is.

-How can you be so certain? -I just am!

-This is all wrong. -I need to know your source.

If I'm to protect you, I need to know who it is.

-I think it's a woman. -You think?

-You had a meeting with her yesterday. -She never got back to me.

-Fucking hell, Petr. -Did you not see what she sent me?

Anyone could have drawn up those documents.

-Maybe someone who had it in for your brother. -That's nonsense!

We shouldn't have printed it.

-You're a fucking amateur for letting things go this far. -Fuck you.

And what if they were just using you?!

-Tell us what happened! -No comment.

Is it true that the raid involved an employee of Kontext,

the brother of the deceased Daniel Vlcek? Ms Skalova!

-It's the whole family! -Hi!

-We're going to the park. -Lucky you!

-I'd go too! -See you later.

-Hi. -Hi.

-You came alone? -Yeah, well...

You know how he is.

-Thanks. -How was the trip?

Oh fine, I like travelling by train.

Why didn't you call? I could have come for you.

Come on, you have enough worries of your own.

...the whirlwind around Central Energy, which tragically culminated...

-Michal! -...in the suicide of CEO Daniel Vlcek...

is being intensively investigated by the police...

Hi.

Hi.

Where's granddad?

He stayed home.

Come sit down.

Will you have something?

Tea, if you'd be so kind.

A police raid took place just moments ago right here, behind where I am standing,

-in the building of the daily Kontext... -Mr Vlcek, Mr Vlcek!

-Who gave you the information about your brother? -Leave me alone.

Don't you think people have the right to know? These are quite serious charges.

-No, I don't think they do. -Do you feel responsible

for your brother's death? It was you who started the whole affair around CE.

-I didn't kill him. -No one is claiming you did.

-Bastard! -Michal.

It's not his fault.

Petr is in just as much pain as you. It was Daniel's choice.

Did you read those articles?

You think it's ok to write about your brother like that?

To call him a liar, a fraudster, a thief?

Antidepressants.

I had no idea he was taking them.

So please never say in this house that it was Daniel's choice.

Because in reality, it was Petr's choice.

-What? -You're not responsible for your brother's death.

I keep telling you that and you refuse to understand.

I shouldn't have used it against him.

If you hadn't done it, somebody else would have, and it would've ended up the same.

-You don't know that. -Just like you don't know

how it would've ended up if you hadn't written those articles.

Why did he do it?

Have you gotten anything out of Vlcek's computer yet?

No, not yet.

Nothing of any use to us.

Okay, well let me know as soon as you find something out.

OK, bye.

Have you found anything in Daniel Vlcek's phone records?

Who was the last person he talked to?

It's odd, but they didn't find his phone at the scene.

But we're getting it from the service provider.

Mr Vlcek?

-Leave me alone. -I need to talk to you.

I know exactly who you are, get out of here.

I know who Sofie is.

What do you want from me?

Why are you telling me?

Because I think I can trust you.

And not your superiors?

You're bluffing.

I can prove it to you.

I like plants.

It was easier than I expected.

Sofie didn't put much effort into covering her tracks.

These are all the messages you got from her.

They were all sent from the same IP address.

From one specific location.

-That's the Central Energy building. -Yep.

All the documents and messages you got from her

came from Daniel Vlcek's computer.

What?

Sofie was your brother.