Ex-mayor's corruption probe widened; new suspect accused of incitement

Croatian anti-corruption prosecutors (USKOK) have broadened their investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving Marko Ajček, the former mayor of Gradina and a member of the HDZ party. The probe now includes Josip Horvat Bamb, who is accused of inciting abuse of power and money laundering.

Ajček and six other individuals were initially investigated in March on suspicion of abuse of power, aiding in abuse of power, and money laundering, following a report from the Virovitica-Podravina Police Department. The expanded investigation alleges that Horvat Bamb, acting as the de facto business manager for two companies, pressured Ajček to award lucrative municipal contracts without proper public procurement procedures.

Prosecutors claim Ajček facilitated illicit gains for companies owned by Horvat Bamb's son and another firm managed by the son-in-law of Horvat Bamb. These companies allegedly received payments for work on multiple facilities, exceeding the scope of initial offers and bypassing public bidding requirements. The total damage to the Gradina municipality's budget is estimated at least 1.289 million euros, with the company Projekt Gradnja Vir allegedly gaining over 1 million euros in undue profit.

Further allegations suggest Horvat Bamb also instructed Ajček to secure undue financial benefits for a third company. This was allegedly done by creating a false debt for the municipality through an assignment agreement, disguising it as a loan repayment. USKOK detailed that the agreement falsely stated the municipality owed the company for numerous invoices.