Maribor police charge three in €3.5 million fraud scheme

Maribor police and the Specialized State Prosecutor's Office have filed criminal charges against three individuals involved in a multi-million euro financial fraud scheme. Investigators allege that between 2020 and 2022, two business managers of Slovenian companies used fictitious invoices from several connected Slovakian companies to transfer funds.

The scheme involved approximately 3.5 million euros in total transfers. To facilitate the operation, a third individual reportedly traveled to Slovakia to recruit and install “straw directors” to establish the necessary companies and manage bank accounts and cards.

Authorities claim the suspects were aware that the services or construction works listed on the invoices were never actually performed. The suspects face charges including abuse of position or trust in economic activity, money laundering, and tax evasion. Approximately 3.2 million euros were withdrawn in cash or transferred to related accounts through the Slovakian entities.