Health minister detained in major corruption investigation in Croatia
- The European Public Prosecutor's Office detained Croatia's health minister and others on suspicion of corruption, including bribery and money laundering.
- Prime Minister Andrej Plenković dismissed Beroš, declaring that the government will not protect those involved in criminal activity.
- This incident underscores ongoing corruption issues within the Croatian health system, leading to concerns about governance and accountability.
In Zagreb, Croatia, on November 22, 2024, health minister Vili Beroš was detained along with several others on charges of corruption. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated an investigation revealing that Beroš, along with hospital directors and representatives from two companies, allegedly participated in bribery and money laundering activities. The investigation specifically focused on actions taken between June 2022 and November 2024. It was uncovered that the suspects aimed to secure financial gains for companies by manipulating public procurement processes. In some instances, bribes were offered to key stakeholders, including the health minister, to facilitate contracts funded by the EU or national budget, with Beroš reportedly approving inflated medical equipment purchases in exchange for illicit payments. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković responded by firing Beroš, emphasizing the government's commitment to accountability and reflecting on the sensitivity of corruption in the health sector. The implications of this scandal highlight ongoing concerns about corruption within Croatia's health system, which has previously been criticized for high corruption rankings among EU member countries.