Organized crime prosecutors blocked from questioning Chinese firm officials in Novi Sad railway probe

Serbian prosecutors are facing significant obstacles in their investigation into the deadly Novi Sad Railway Station collapse, with access to key Chinese company officials being repeatedly denied. The Organized Crime Prosecution (TOK) has formally requested the Interior Ministry (MUP) to allow questioning of executives from the Chinese CRIC–CCCC consortium, which was responsible for the reconstruction project where a tragic accident claimed 16 lives in November 2024.

Despite multiple information-gathering requests submitted by TOK since September 2025, including a recent one following a meeting with senior officers from the Organized Crime Fighting Department and Tax Police, no progress has been made in interviewing the Chinese nationals. This stonewalling raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability, particularly given prior allegations that high-ranking Serbian state officials may have intervened to shield the Chinese companies from legal repercussions.

The judicial process surrounding the tragedy has already been fraught with controversy. Proceedings were discontinued against several individuals, including a cabinet minister and associates, as well as managers from Serbian Railway Infrastructure. While indictments remain for seven others, the inability to question the primary foreign contractors involved leaves a critical gap in the investigation.

From a Serbian perspective, this situation is deeply troubling. It highlights potential foreign influence in sensitive infrastructure projects and raises questions about the government's commitment to ensuring justice, especially when foreign state-linked companies are involved. The refusal to grant prosecutors access to these officials undermines public trust and suggests that powerful interests may be at play, hindering a full and impartial investigation into a disaster that deeply affected the nation.