Provident's Czech operations under scrutiny....
3rd October 2003

Suspicion of illegal activity reported by Prague Tribune...

As Provident continue to lose support at home (see previous two stories), their recent expansion into international markets in Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic could have been seen as providing some comfort to the high cost lender. However, it now appears that they are facing some uncomfortable questions from the Czech authorities.

The Praque Tribune reports that Provident "faces suspicion of illegal collection of personal data of clients' health conditions, property and even personal relationships. The Personal Data Protection Office is already conducting an investigation on the firm."