Croatia’s former health minister, Vili Beroš, finds himself embroiled in legal troubles as the country’s anti-corruption body, the Office for the Suppression of Corruption and Organized Crime (USKOK), initiates a formal investigation into allegations of corruption. The investigation, launched on Thursday, targets Beroš alongside two other individuals and company entities linked to corruption within the public health sector. For a detailed look into the case, refer to the USKOK investigation statement.
USKOK’s probe focuses on suspicions of a criminal association involving the abuse of authority, trading in influence, bribery, and favoritism incitement. It is alleged that from mid-2022 to the end of 2023, Beroš, in cahoots with businessman Saša Pozder and neurosurgeon Kresimir Rotim, manipulated public procurement processes. Their aim was allegedly to ensure that state hospitals purchased overpriced medical devices, thus financially benefiting a particular company. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has initiated a parallel investigation, which widens the net to include eight individuals and two companies suspected of illegal activities. More information is available on the EPPO’s announcement.
These alleged procurement manipulations supposedly siphoned €619,582.64 from the national budget, with false invoices reportedly used to camouflage the illicit operations. Amid the unfolding scandal, the Zagreb County Court has mandated a one-month pre-trial detention for Beroš, following his dismissal as the Health Minister upon his arrest. The order can be found in recent court records.
In response, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has addressed the public in a press conference, asserting the administration’s continued commitment to anti-corruption. Plenković indicated the awareness of both USKOK and EPPO concerning the investigations and downplayed any threats to the coalition’s stability by reaffirming their collective stance against corruption. He underscored the necessity for those engaging in illegal activities to be held accountable. More details can be accessed in his public statement.
The investigation highlights significant concerns over corruption within Croatian medical procurement processes, emphasizing the continuing need for vigilance and reform in public sector transactions.
For comprehensive coverage of these developments, refer to the original report from JURIST.