Major Anti-Corruption Sweep Leads to Multiple Arrests in Serbia
Fourteen individuals, including high-ranking officials and businessmen, detained by police amid allegations of corruption and financial misconduct.
On October 12, 2023, a significant anti-corruption operation was initiated under the directive of the Special Department for Suppression of Corruption of the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade.
Law enforcement agencies executed arrests of numerous individuals, including M.G., the former acting director of the Public Enterprise Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS), along with thirteen other individuals.
The charges involve various criminal offenses committed from 2018 to 2021, where it is alleged that these individuals improperly benefited financially by exploiting their official positions.
The Chief Public Prosecutor, Nenad Stefanović, reported that the suspects are accused of abusing their authority in relation to public procurement processes concerning EPS, resulting in financial damages exceeding 100 million dinars (approximately €850,000).
Allegations include taking and giving bribes in the form of monetary gifts, which were subsequently concealed through money laundering operations.
A financial investigation against the accused and associated parties will be undertaken as part of the prosecution's actions.
Prosecutor Stefanović noted that this initiative marks the beginning of a larger campaign against corruption in Serbia, with further actions anticipated in the coming days.
Among those arrested is businessman Aleksandar Papić, suspected of involvement in misappropriating funds from EPS.
Furthermore, Milorad Grčić, the president of the Obrenovac Municipality, was also detained in connection with the case during his tenure as the acting director of EPS, purportedly for harming the public enterprise.
Milan Blagojević, director of the company IntellSec, was likewise taken into custody after previously being questioned regarding corruption related to public procurement at EPS.
Additionally, Toni Apostolović, a businessman with several successful enterprises including 'Tim System' and 'IT Excellence', was arrested; he is noted to have strong ties with Papić.
Moreover, Dejan Bulatović, the director of the Borac football club from Lazarevac, along with his wife Kristina, were apprehended.
Other arrests included former club president Ivan Marinković and his wife Katarina, facing similar allegations involving abuses of power, money laundering, bribery, influence peddling, and related offenses.
All individuals detained under the prosecutor's order will be held for up to 48 hours before being brought in for questioning, as investigators work to unravel the nature and extent of the alleged corruption.
Law enforcement agencies executed arrests of numerous individuals, including M.G., the former acting director of the Public Enterprise Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS), along with thirteen other individuals.
The charges involve various criminal offenses committed from 2018 to 2021, where it is alleged that these individuals improperly benefited financially by exploiting their official positions.
The Chief Public Prosecutor, Nenad Stefanović, reported that the suspects are accused of abusing their authority in relation to public procurement processes concerning EPS, resulting in financial damages exceeding 100 million dinars (approximately €850,000).
Allegations include taking and giving bribes in the form of monetary gifts, which were subsequently concealed through money laundering operations.
A financial investigation against the accused and associated parties will be undertaken as part of the prosecution's actions.
Prosecutor Stefanović noted that this initiative marks the beginning of a larger campaign against corruption in Serbia, with further actions anticipated in the coming days.
Among those arrested is businessman Aleksandar Papić, suspected of involvement in misappropriating funds from EPS.
Furthermore, Milorad Grčić, the president of the Obrenovac Municipality, was also detained in connection with the case during his tenure as the acting director of EPS, purportedly for harming the public enterprise.
Milan Blagojević, director of the company IntellSec, was likewise taken into custody after previously being questioned regarding corruption related to public procurement at EPS.
Additionally, Toni Apostolović, a businessman with several successful enterprises including 'Tim System' and 'IT Excellence', was arrested; he is noted to have strong ties with Papić.
Moreover, Dejan Bulatović, the director of the Borac football club from Lazarevac, along with his wife Kristina, were apprehended.
Other arrests included former club president Ivan Marinković and his wife Katarina, facing similar allegations involving abuses of power, money laundering, bribery, influence peddling, and related offenses.
All individuals detained under the prosecutor's order will be held for up to 48 hours before being brought in for questioning, as investigators work to unravel the nature and extent of the alleged corruption.
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