Criminal charges filed against two Zrenjanin men for defrauding Serbia's budget

Serbian police have filed criminal charges against two men from Zrenjanin suspected of significant tax evasion and value-added tax (VAT) fraud, which allegedly cost the state budget over 40.5 million Serbian dinars (approximately $370,000 USD).

The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that the charges were brought against B.E. (36) and M.G. (24), both residents of Zrenjanin, following an investigation into the gray economy. Authorities suspect that B.E., as the responsible person for a company, and M.G., who allegedly managed the firm, registered fictitious invoices for goods and services between 2025 and 2026. This was reportedly done to create a false impression of legitimate business activity.

Through this alleged scheme, the suspects are believed to have gained illicit financial benefits totaling 40,511,027 dinars, causing a corresponding loss to the state budget. The Zrenjanin Basic Public Prosecutor's Office is already conducting criminal proceedings against the same individuals for identical offenses.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, B.E. is currently in detention. Meanwhile, M.G. has been subjected to a restraining order, prohibiting him from approaching, meeting, or communicating with specific individuals. The Ministry of Internal Affairs emphasized its continued efforts to combat the gray economy through such enforcement actions.