Failed Privatizations had Ćopić in Common
When the Serbian government privatized ZMAJ, a maker of farm equipment, they said it was a way to bring investment to an important sector of the economy. Economists saw the sale as a next step toward modernizing the strategically important company. And a group of accused criminals, respected businessman and a former cabinet minister saw it as an opportunity to make a lot of money.
An indictment filed by the Republika Srpska (RS) Special Prosecutor's Office against Zoran Ćopić and two directors of his companies sheds new light into the ring that allegedly laundered money for a Montenegrin/Serbian drug cartel. Included in the details are Miloš Hamović, the son of the wealthy Serbian energy trader Vuk Hamović, and the company of fugitive businessman Stanko Subotić.
Ćopić Arrest Hurts Local Farmers
A month after police closed the Bijeljina Sugar Factory they said was bought with laundered drug money, farmers and villagers who had gambled their future on the plant face catastrophic loss of a season of crops. And the local region is threatened with the loss of an important buyer and employer.
