Serbian authorities arrested 15 people, including the former director of state-run power company Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS), on charges of financial crimes that allegedly cost the company nearly $1 million.
The move is part of anti-corruption efforts that gained traction following months of public protests against alleged government negligence and misconduct. The timing of the arrests follows a wave of unrest sparked by a deadly roof collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad that killed 15 people in early November last year, fueling accusations of corruption and mismanagement.
The Anti-Corruption Department of the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade said Wednesday that the 15 suspects face multiple offenses, including abuse of official position, money laundering, and bribery, funneling illegal profits into legal financial channels.
Among those arrested is Milorad Grčić, former EPS CEO and current mayor of Obrenovac, a Belgrade municipality. He is a member of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) led by President Aleksandar Vučić, is among the high-profile suspects, which also include EPS employees, businessmen, and the director of a local soccer club. Authorities say the group committed various crimes between 2018 and 2021.
The Prosecutor’s Office added that all the suspects are in custody for up to 48 hours and will be questioned by prosecutors.
“This is just the beginning of a large anti-corruption operation. More actions will follow, and the public will be informed promptly,” Chief Public Prosecutor Nenad Stefanović said.
The arrest of Grčić and his alleged collaborators comes two days after president Vučić reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption.
“The fight will be every day. Prosecutors have free rein to do their job. It won’t be easy, but people must trust their country,” Vučić said in a TV interview.
The month-long protests, initially sparked by the tragedy, quickly escalated into mass demonstrations calling for greater transparency and accountability from authorities.
“Corruption kills,” read banners at the protests, with demonstrators demanding a full investigation into the roof’s reconstruction and accountability for those responsible.
The protests ultimately led to the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and his cabinet on Jan. 28.
