Croatia judiciary bribery trial begins for former judges

The trial of former Osijek judges Darko Krušlin, Zvonko Vekić, and Ante Kvesić has commenced at the Zagreb County Court. The defendants face allegations from USKOK that they accepted bribes from Zdravko and Zoran Mamić to influence judicial decisions in their favor.

According to the indictment, Krušlin allegedly received an expensive Audemars Piguet watch from Mamić. Vekić and Kvesić are accused of receiving approximately 500,000 euros, which were reportedly used for real estate and vehicle purchases. Nataša Sekulić, an associate of Vekić, is also accused of involvement in managing these funds.

While the judges deny all charges, entrepreneur Drago Tadić has pleaded guilty, admitting to acting as a mediator who delivered bribes, including cash in envelopes, luxury dinners, and expensive watches. The trial follows more than six years of investigation since the initial arrests.