Kazakhstan Holds Former Croatian Ski Official Vedran Pavlek Pending Extradition

Vedran Pavlek, former director of the Croatian alpine ski federation, remains detained in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The Kazakhstani Prosecutor General's Office confirmed receipt of Croatia’s extradition request for Pavlek on criminal grounds. On 10 June 2026, a specialized investigative court in Almaty ordered a 12‑month pre‑trial detention while an extradition verification is carried out.

The Interpol red notice against Pavlek, issued at the end of March for alleged embezzlement of roughly €30 million from the Croatian Ski Association, led to his arrest on 1 May. Croatia’s Minister of Justice, Administration and Digital Transformation has urged a swift resolution, noting that the decision rests with Kazakhstani authorities. Speculative rumours about Pavlek marrying a Kazakh citizen to avoid extradition have been reported but remain unsubstantiated.