USKOK requests investigative custody for the former Defense Ministry official

On Thursday an USKOK sting operation resulted in the arrest of two people suspected of rigging Defense Ministry tenders. The suspects have now been questioned and USKOK has request investigative custody for both men.

The USKOK anti-corruption agency has questioned the former head of procurement at the Defense Ministry, Brigadier General Ivica Devčić, and the owner of the company that supplied military boots to the Croatian Armed Forces. They were arrested as part of yesterday's sting operation in a joint operation with the local police and military police, on suspicion of rigging Defense Ministry tenders in 2018 and 2019. USKOK has since requested pre-trial detention for the defendants.

“He firmly denied any wrongdoing. He outlined the details of the public procurement process and said he believes it was conducted in full compliance with the Public Procurement Act. He maintains the entire process was transparent and lawful,” Devčić's lawyer, Dražen Gazda, said after the questioning.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić commented on the case on Friday, confirming that the Devčić would relieved of duty and added that the company in question had been banned from doing business with the Ministry last year: “The suspect will be dealt with by the Ministry of Defense in accordance with the law and the applicable legal framework. This includes dismissal from service and removal from his position. I would also note that last year, by decision of the Ministry of Defense and I, companies suspected of falsifying references or engaging in other irregularities were barred from participating in public procurement.”

Source: HRT