Istria faces ongoing corruption and environmental disputes

The Istria region continues to face long-standing issues involving corruption and environmental concerns. Businessman Dražen Golemović was previously convicted in 2011 and sentenced to one year and ten months in prison following the USKOK anti-corruption operation known as ‘Ipsilon’.

According to the indictment, Golemović established a corruption network involving police, customs officials, tax authorities, and the former municipal state attorney in Pazin, Davorka Smoković. The network allegedly helped Golemović evade customs and tax inspections. Specific allegations included a former tax administration official, Elvis Drandić, providing information on upcoming tax audits, and Smoković receiving a white gold necklace in exchange for facilitating meetings with police officials.

Parallel to these legal issues, local citizens have expressed ongoing opposition to the Kaštijun waste management center and the Rockwool stone wool factory. The ‘Ne Kaštijun’ civic initiative has raised concerns regarding the lack of transparency and the potential environmental risks, specifically the emission of dioxins and furans into the air.