Prosecutors accuse suspects of accepting and giving bribes, abuse of position and authority, and money laundering. Croatia's prime minister has fired Health Minister Vili Beros following his arrest on suspicion of corruption as part of a European Union investigation. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic stated his personal dismay at any healthcare professional using their position for profit or favoritism. The EPPO began investigating eight individuals, including Beros and the directors of two hospitals, for serious allegations related to financial misconduct.
Mr Beros completely denies any criminal responsibility, his lawyer Laura Vakovic told journalists. Prime Minister Plenkovic, re-elected in April, emphasized the government's zero tolerance for corrupt practices, stating that no one will be protected from prosecution for criminal activities, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations. Between June 2022 and November 2024, five individuals allegedly tried to gain illicit financial benefits through a scheme involving the sale of medical robotic devices to hospitals, leading to criminal inquiries.
The EPPO noted that alleged bribes were attempted to manipulate the public procurement process on at least four occasions. Notably, one bribe attempt was rejected during an EU-funded initiative in Split, while three other corruption schemes raised red flags in Zagreb hospitals. These revelations point to a systemic issue, highlighting the need for stringent oversight and accountability within Croatia's healthcare system and reflecting broader concerns about corruption in public institutions across Europe.
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