Young entrepreneur Filip Mihalić dies amid COVID test fraud charges

Filip Mihalić, a young entrepreneur from Kneginec, has died at the age of 27, according to Varaždinske vijesti. Mihalić began his business career during high school, importing textiles from China. His business expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to include the import of COVID tests and other medical supplies, a period marked by high demand for such products.

Mihalić and his father, former HDZ parliamentary representative Anđelko Mihalić, were scheduled to appear in court. They faced charges for falsifying COVID tests, with Filip Mihalić also accused of money laundering. The indictment was confirmed by the Municipal Court in Varaždin on March 2, 2026. The proceedings had not yet reached a final verdict.

Following the pandemic, Mihalić shifted his business focus to Turkey, but this venture encountered significant difficulties. His company, Buryen, initiated legal action against former business partners in Croatia and Turkey, as well as against a media outlet, disputing claims about his business dealings. The Varaždin County State Attorney's Office had filed charges against Mihalić for offenses related to the forgery of medical products and money laundering.

After his case attracted public attention, Mihalić relocated abroad. The news of his sudden death has saddened his family, friends, and acquaintances, as reported by Varaždinske vijesti. The cause of death has not been officially confirmed.