Former Croatian footballer Dario Šimić arrested in corruption probe
Croatian anti‑corruption office USKOK opened a criminal investigation and detained former national‑team defender Dario Šimić in Zagreb. Prosecutors allege Šimić used his influence, together with former tourism official Neda Livljanić and HSS vice‑president Marin Mikšić, to obtain an unlawful permit for a small private campsite in Tisno on the central Adriatic coast. The permit was granted despite the land being outside the designated building zone and the campsite not meeting regulatory standards.
USKOK has not requested preventive detention, so Šimić is expected to be released pending further proceedings. Two other people – a former regional tourism officer and a local businessman – were taken into custody as alleged intermediaries. The case has drawn comments from politicians; former interior minister Ranko Ostojić posted on Facebook, "Kao roditelj suosjećam s Adamom i Evom," referring to the scandal.
Šimić, who earned 100 caps for Croatia and won multiple European club titles, now faces charges of abuse of office and incitement to abuse. The investigation continues to determine the exact role of each suspect.