Former Croatian Ski Association head Vedran Pavlek arrested in Kazakhstan

Former head of the Croatian Ski Association, Vedran Pavlek, has been arrested in Kazakhstan after evading Croatian authorities abroad for a month and a half. 

He is wanted on corruption charges linked to the alleged misappropriation of around 30 million euros from the national skiing body.

Croatia has requested his extradition, a process that could take some time, Justice, Administration and Digital Transformation Minister Damir Habijan said on Friday after confirming the arrest.

“It is difficult to say whether Pavlek will use the legal options available to appeal, but the procedure will take some time. It is unclear how long it will take, as that depends on Kazakhstan’s legal system. What is most important is that he has been arrested and that we do expect him to be extradited,” Habijan said.

Attorney General Ivan Turudić, commenting on the arrest, said Pavlek could either agree to return to Croatia or challenge the extradition.

“He has the option to voluntarily return to Croatia or to oppose extradition. That is regulated by international law, and we will act accordingly. The important thing is that he has been arrested and is now within reach of Croatian authorities,” Turudić said.

Police in Kazakhstan have not confirmed whether Pavlek’s laptop has been recovered. It is believed to contain information that could be crucial to the investigation. His lawyer did not respond to calls or messages on Friday.

Media reports have speculated for days that Pavlek could implicate numerous athletes, sports officials, and journalists who allegedly received payments linked to funds he is accused of diverting from the federation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Davor Božinović said on Friday that Kazakh police had informed Croatian authorities that Pavlek had entered the country, and that Interpol units in both countries subsequently began cooperating on the case.

“This was a joint operation carried out by two police forces, and we are very pleased with the level of cooperation,” Božinović said, declining to provide further details about the arrest.