Serbian hacker arrested in Croatia suspected of state system breaches, BIA links

Croatian authorities have arrested a 33-year-old Serbian entrepreneur, identified by initials G.V., on vacation in Croatia on suspicion of hacking into numerous state and corporate computer systems. The case has raised concerns about national security, with Croatian media reporting strong suspicions of the hacker's links to Serbia's Security Information Agency (BIA). The suspect, who owns a Novi Sad-based micro-company specializing in computer programming, allegedly infiltrated systems belonging to the Ministry of Interior, REGOS, HAKOM, HZZO, HZMO, the Ministry of Finance (Tax Administration), and HAK. He reportedly used servers in Sweden, provided by a company based in Belize, and also accessed systems via an IP address in Serbia. Investigators believe G.V. gained access to the e-Citizens portal by obtaining personal data from a Croatian citizen. He is also suspected of targeting a company in central Croatia that was later merged with HT. The suspect allegedly attempted to deflect blame onto his company's employees, but a court has ordered a one-month pre-trial detention on three charges, including offenses against computer systems, programs, and data, and the illicit use of personal data.