Police search home of Oroslavje Mayor during criminal investigation

Police and the USKOK anti-corruption agency carried out a search early this morning at the home of Oroslavje Mayor Viktor Šimunić.

According to unofficial information, the investigation into the 35-year-old mayor was launched following reports from local councillors alleging agreements between the mayor and entrepreneurs without the use of public procurement procedures.

In recent months, Šimunić has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of financial operations within sports federations. His statements came amid a series of scandals in Croatian sport, including investigations into the alleged disappearance of more than 30 million euros from the Croatian Ski Association and ongoing proceedings within the Croatian Judo Federation.

Early this morning, police also searched the home of Šimunić’s parents, with whom he lives, and seized documents, computers, and mobile phones belonging to both him and his parents. Media reports state that the evidentiary actions are linked to criminal complaints filed against Šimunić in connection with the organisation of public events.

Šimunić said the case sends a message that citizens should not question the use of public funds.

“I think this sends a message that one should not laugh when something suspicious is discovered, and that one should not ask where the money is going. Tonight I will sleep peacefully again and I can look every citizen in the eye,” he said.

Opposition MPs also commented on the search of the mayor’s home and office.

MOST party leader Nikola Grmoja said he was not familiar with the details of the case but expressed limited confidence in the work of the State Attorney’s Office (DORH).

IDS president Dalibor Paus described early-morning searches of citizens’ homes—followed in some cases by lengthy investigations without conclusions—as questionable, adding that doubts are also raised by the appointment process of Chief State Attorney Ivan Turudić.

GLAS MP Anka Mrak-Taritaš said that images of early-morning raids do not send a positive message about the justice system.

Both Paus and Mrak-Taritaš said additional concerns arise from the fact that Šimunić had previously spoken publicly about irregularities in sports associations, and called for a thorough investigation of the case.

USKOK rejected claims by Mayor Šimunić that the search was linked to his public criticism of sports associations, describing them as false and aimed at discrediting the criminal prosecution authorities.

USKOK added that the first reports of suspected illegal activities causing multi-million-euro damage in a sports organisation were submitted by the prosecution authorities themselves in March 2026, on the day arrests were made and an investigation was launched against those responsible.