Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia's Security Minister Arrested Over Alleged Graft

Published DEC 27 2024

Story

Above: Nenad Nešić (R) at a joint press conference in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 7, 2023. Image credit: Samir Jordamovic/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images

The Facts

The security minister for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nenad Nešić, and six others have been arrested on corruption charges, the country's office for the prosecutor said on Thursday.
Vijesti
Tuzilastvobih
The individuals were charged with conspiracy to commit criminal acts, money laundering, abuse of official position or authority, and taking bribes.
Tuzilastvobih
The authorities have been investigating alleged corruption at the state-owned company Putevi RS — which translates to Roads RS — where Nešić worked as the general manager between 2016 and 2020.
Reuters
The detainees include the company's current general manager, Milan Dakić, and Mladen Lučić, a member of the Democratic People's Alliance party.
Reuters
According to the Republika Srpska police, the accused's residential and business premises have also been searched in Sarajevo and Bijeljina.
Barrons
Following his arrest, Nešić said he "would continue to fight for Republika Srpska (RS)."
Reuters
RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty

Sources Split

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RIGHT

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The Spin

Narrative A

These arrests follow an investigation from the prosecutor's office and the Directorate for Organized Crime of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Nešić is being held accountable for criminal offenses, including not reporting assets worth €8.5M.

Vijesti

CIN

Narrative B

Everything about the way this investigation was brought and how the arrests were hastily carried out reeks of foul play. This is an unacceptable procedure and likely a political persecution that has unfairly targeted RS officials.

RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty