Fri Nov 15 19:05:43 IST 2024: ## Croatian Health Minister Arrested in EU Corruption Probe, Fired by Prime Minister
**Zagreb, Croatia** – Croatia’s Health Minister Vili Beros has been arrested and fired by Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on suspicion of corruption, as part of an ongoing investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).
The EPPO, based in Zagreb, has accused Beros, along with two hospital directors and two companies, of accepting and giving bribes, abusing their positions, and money laundering.
The investigation alleges that between June 2022 and November 2024, the suspects sought to secure financial gains through a scheme involving the sale of medical robotic devices to Croatian hospitals. They are accused of offering bribes to influence the public procurement process, including attempts to secure the purchase of operating microscopes at inflated prices. Prosecutors claim the price was artificially increased by €600,000, harming the Croatian national budget.
While Beros denies any criminal responsibility, Prime Minister Plenkovic stated that the government will not shield anyone suspected of criminal activity, regardless of their position. This incident highlights Croatia’s ongoing struggle with systemic and political corruption, which has plagued the country for years.
Croatia, a relatively new member of the European Union, is often ranked among the most corrupt EU states by international anti-corruption organizations. This latest arrest underscores the EU’s commitment to fighting corruption within its member states.
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