Infamous Czech gangster could be the subject of a new Netflix documentary

A new Netflix documentary about Czech gangster Radovan Krejčíř may be in the works according to reports from his latest trial in South Africa, where he is currently serving a 35-year sentence for attempted murder, assault and battery, and numerous other after being convicted in 2016.

The previous year, he reportedly planned an elaborate escape from prison that involved $18 million (420 million crowns) in finances and the use of a helicopter. He was placed in an isolated underground cell after those plans were foiled, and is currently on trial for the attempted escape.

According to South African news publisher Eyewitness News, state prosecutor Steven Rubin alleged that Krejčíř was surreptitiously visited by a Netflix producer during the latest court proceedings.

Rubin claimed that the producer met with Krejčíř at Kgosi Mampuru Maximum Prison under the pretenses of a personal visit, and that Krejčíř's lawyer Nastasja Otrebski gave him a production contract to sign without disclosing it to prison officials, placing it among documents related to Krejčíř's medical treatment.

Speaking as a witness at the trial, Otrebski confirmed that a Netflix producer named Sian had contacted her about Krejčíř's involvement in a new documentary. She also stated that she was not required to specifically disclose the production contract, as prison officials read over all the documents brought to her client.

Krejčíř's lawyer added that he was interested in participating in the documentary, but that his further involvement in the project has been halted after prison officials barred the Netflix producer from further visits.

One of the most infamous criminals to make a name for themselves after the establishment of the Czech Republic in 1993, Radovan Krejčíř amassed great wealth while being monitored by Czech police throughout the 1990s.

He fled the country in 2005 following a police raid, and was later convicted in absentia of attempted murder and fraud totaling 108 million crowns, among other charges. He is currently being sought for extradition to the Czech Republic to serve a 15-year sentence.

Krejčíř ended up in South Africa, where he became involved in the local crime scene. He was allegedly involved in the murder of a rival crime boss, and became the target of an assassination attempt himself.

Krejčíř's story served as direct inspiration for the Czech movies Gangster Ka and Gangster Ka: Afričan, in which actor Hynek Čermák stars as a fictionalized version of the crime boss. Both movies are currently streaming on Netflix (in the Czech Republic) with English subtitles.