Police arrest SDP MP in corruption sting

The police and the USKOK anti-corruption agency launched an operation in the Varaždin and Zagreb areas on Tuesday morning, which resulted in the arrests of fourteen people on suspicion of corruption.

The main suspects in the case include SDP Member of Parliament Barbara Antolić Vupora and the head of the Administrative Department for Construction and Communal Economy in Varaždin Vlado Podbrežnički.

The case revolves around the illegally issuing of a permit for the extension and reconstruction of a house in Varaždin. Other construction permits are allegedly being investigated.

The State Attorney's Office requested that Ms Antolić Vupora be placed in pretrial detention due to the charges against her, as well as the risk of influencing witnesses.

Goran Vučetić, lawyer for Barbara Antolić Vupore, simply confirmed that his client was suspected of trading in influence.

Robert Jankovics, the president of Parliament's Credentials and Privileges Commission, said Barbara Antolić Vupora had her immunity as a sitting member of parliament lifted at the request of the State Attorney's Office.

Following her arrest, the SDP suspended her from all party functions. However, she remains a party member.

Nikola Mažar from the government's ruling coalition said there was a double standard from the opposition when it came to corruption, and pointed out that both Peđa Grbin - the former president of the SDP - and now Siniša Hajdaš Dončić - the current party leader - should have known about the case and that it leads right to very top of the SDP.