The Croatian political scene has been rocked recently by major corruption allegations leading to the pretrial detention of some high-profile figures. The focus of the investigation concerns the procurement of medical devices, and the arrests include none other than the country's Minister of Health, Vili Beroš, and entrepreneur Saša Pozder.
According to reports from local media, both Beroš and Pozder were ordered to remain behind bars for one month due to fears they could influence potential witnesses. This decision came on the heels of revelations surrounding their involvement with medical supplies intended for state hospitals. The Croatian Office for the Fight against Corruption and Organized Crime (USKOK) has been at the forefront of this investigation, digging through complex layers of alleged wrongdoing.
More troubling is the claim against Beroš himself. The Croatian Prosecutor's Office accuses him along with Pozder and neurosurgeon Krešimir Rotim of various offenses, including abuse of position and authority, trading influence, and accepting bribes as part of larger criminal actions. It’s been alleged they conspired to funnel expensive medical devices from Austrian manufacturers to public health facilities, manipulating both prices and relationships to their benefit.
Specifically, it’s alleged Beroš leveraged his position as Minister of Health to facilitate business deals for Pozder. Various state hospitals were said to have paid inflated prices for these medical devices, of which Beroš requested they secure work for Pozder's company. Documents reveal the deal included the purchase of advanced surgical equipment, like robotic microscopes, which were sold at prices significantly higher than they should have been.
For example, it has been suggested they purchased one of these robotic microscopes for around 487,500 euros, when it should have cost closer to 456,234 euros. Additional documents indicate Pozder’s firm benefited up to half a million euros across various contracts, underscoring the potential scale of the alleged corruption.
Rotim is positioned differently, having been granted permission to defend himself free from custody. Still, the investigations indicate he may have played his part by helping to set up deals for the expected kickbacks. Reportedly, he received a robotic microscope for free for his private clinic, which raises serious ethical questions about the intersection of private and public healthcare.
This storm has drawn the attention of European prosecutors as well, who have also launched inquiries against Beroš and seven others linked to this case. According to these European investigators, Beroš is suspected of receiving kickbacks, marking significant differences between the Croatian investigation's focus on influence peddling.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has identified the controversial businessman Hrvoje Petrač, currently residing abroad, as the initial suspect, alongside other notable individuals. Among them are Pozder and both the head of neurosurgery at KBC Sestre Milosrdnice and the director of the Zagreb Children's Hospital.
Further complicadting matters is the jurisdictional tussle between USKOK and the EPPO, with Croatian authorities insisting their own investigations should take precedence since most of the public procurement funds were not EU-generated. Chief State Prosecutor Ivan Turudić has stepped onto the scene to determine the final jurisdiction, emphasizing cooperation needed between the local prosecutors and their European counterparts.
This scandal has already led to immediate administrative actions, including the dismissal of Minister Beroš by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. He stressed the seriousness of the allegations, declaring if they are substantiated, they amount to treason against the state. Such strong language indicates the political ramifications these charges could entail, as Croatia continues to aim for enhanced integrity within its government operations.
The situation is still developing, and as authorities sift through evidence and statements, the ramifications for all involved could be significant. While Beroš and his associates await their day in court, the Croatian public is left to ponder the future of their political system and the potential for reform. Public trust is at stake, and citizens await more details on how the scandal will play out.
