The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Zagreb has initiated an investigation against eight individuals, including Croatia’s Minister of Health, Vili Beroš, and key officials of two Zagreb hospital institutions, as well as two companies. The investigation involves allegations of bribery, abuse of power, and money laundering.
Key Accusations
According to EPPO’s statement, the investigation centers around a criminal organization suspected of manipulating public procurement processes to benefit specific companies supplying medical robotic devices. The group allegedly secured inflated contracts for devices through bribes and tampered documentation.
Minister Beroš is accused of accepting €75,000 in bribes for procurement processes related to hospitals in Zagreb and Osijek. The alleged mastermind behind the criminal network is businessman Hrvoje Petrač, who is currently outside Croatia and has not been detained.
Details of the Scheme
The organization reportedly ensured that one company would dominate medical equipment procurement through:
- Bribing officials: Promises of financial rewards to hospital administrators and government officials.
- Manipulating documentation: Tailoring technical specifications to favor specific suppliers.
- Inflating prices: Charging significantly higher costs, resulting in losses for the state and EU budgets.
In one instance, the scheme was thwarted when officials at the Clinical Hospital Center Split rejected bribes. However, in other cases involving hospitals in Zagreb and Osijek, the group succeeded, leading to inflated costs totaling over €619,000.
Mechanisms of Concealment
The criminal network is accused of issuing falsified invoices to create the illusion of legitimate transactions. These actions allegedly helped launder the illicit proceeds while masking the criminal activities.
Broader Implications
The investigation highlights systemic corruption risks in Croatia’s public health sector, particularly involving funds from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. EPPO’s scrutiny of this case underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in public procurement.
Reactions and Next Steps
The investigation marks a significant move by EPPO to address corruption within the Croatian government. With Vili Beroš already detained and facing grave accusations, the case could lead to broader political ramifications.