November the 15th, 2024 – HDZ Health Minister Vili Beroš has been dismissed by the prime minister and arrested. He is now being actively investigated.
As Jutarnji list writes, HDZ Health Minister Vili Beroš was arrested early this morning. Much of what is currently circulating is unofficial and alleged, and it’s important that that is made clear.
what we know so far about the arrest of former health minister vili Beroš
The police broke into the former minister’s house near Jarun Lake in Zagreb early this morning.
It is as yet unconfirmed and unofficial that addition to former health minister Vili Beroš, the investigators are targeting several other individuals.
One of those arrested is the head of the Clinic for Neurosurgery at KBC Sestre Milosrdnice, Dr. Kresimir Rotim, the other is Goran Roić of Klaićeva.
Plenković has now dismissed Beroš from his position within the Health Ministry.
One investigation is being led by USKOK, and the other, broader one, by EPPO (the European Public Prosecutor’s Office in Zagreb).
It has been alleged that the leader of this so-called criminal association is controversial businessman Hrvoje Petrač.
the press conference
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković rushed to hold a press conference on the matter, where he revealed that the state attorney general had informed him of the investigation into ex health minister Vili Beroš. He added that he fully supports the bodies involved in criminal prosecution and that Beroš had been dismissed. He added that he is utterly appalled that anyone in the Health Ministry could have abused their position for personal gain.
dr. irena hrstić is the new health minister
Dr. Irena Hrstić is now the new health minister following Beroš’ dismissal by the prime minister. She will remain in that position until a new health minister is appointed.
no comments are being made by involved lawyers
Lawyers representing those arrested revealed that Beroš and others vehemently deny any criminal responsibility but that they cannot comment further at this time. They noted that they will not reveal anything more, and that those arrested aren’t currently in a position to defend themselves at this stage.
the eppo is investigating multiple individuals
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Zagreb has launched an investigation against eight natural persons, including ex health minister Vili Beroš and persons employed at two Zagreb hospital institutions. In addition, two legal persons are being investigated owing to reasonable suspicion that they have committed criminal acts of accepting and giving bribes, as well as abuse of position and authority and money laundering.
controversial businessman Hrvoje Petrač is allegedly involved
It is as yet unofficial and unconfirmed that the EPPO has designated the head of this criminal association to be controversial businessman Hrvoje Petrač. He allegedly hasn’t been arrested because he’s not currently in Croatia.
