Former Director of Bosnia’s Republika Srpska (RS) entity Public Health Institute Branislav Zeljkovic and his associates were charged with corruption, abuse of office and embezzlement of over 1.3 million Bosnian marks (approx. €650,000) over the purchase of medical devices and other aid during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, thus damaging the RS budget.

“According to the five-count indictment, Branislav Zeljkovic is accused of violating public procurement procedures, i.e. applying the negotiation procedure without publishing a public procurement notice and a direct agreement, when they could not be applied according to the BiH Public Procurement Law, for procurement of protective masks, medical suits and thermal cameras from unqualified bidders, at prices several times higher than the purchase prices, grossly abusing his position and authority as the director of the Institute,” the RS Public Prosecutor's Office stated.

In this way, he obtained material benefits for himself and others at the expense of the RS budget in the amount of over 1.3 million marks.

The RS Public Prosecutor's Office, Special Department for Suppression of Corruption, Organized and Serious Economic Crime filed an indictment against Zeljkovic for prolonged abuse of official position or authority, as well as accepting bribes and unconscionable work in the service.