Early this morning, acting on the orders of a prosecutor from the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor’s Office, police officers from the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Interior arrested seven individuals suspected of illegal activities within the Sarajevo public utility company "Rad." The alleged wrongdoing is said to have taken place from 2021 to date. Among those apprehended were the company's current director, Nijaz Salamovic, and the former director, Vera Arnautovic.

The Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor’s Office released a statement noting that in August 2024, searches were conducted at the “Rad” premises. During these raids, documents and evidence were seized, shedding light on corrupt practices and possible criminal offences. At that time, the case was already under investigation for abuse of position or authority, and today's arrests mark a significant escalation in the case.

Sources told N1 that the investigation centres on allegations of political corruption. Those detained today include key figures from the company and individuals who were instrumental in appointing Salamovic to his position as the director. Both the former director, Vera Arnautovic, and members of the Supervisory Board are suspected of exploiting their positions of power to ensure Salamovic's appointment, despite warnings from the Sarajevo Anti-Corruption Office about irregularities in the nomination process.

The Prosecutor’s Office further detailed that Salamovic was first unlawfully appointed as the executive director and later promoted to director, even though he did not meet the qualifications for either role. Despite numerous red flags, including the Anti-Corruption Office’s explicit warnings, his appointment went ahead. Over the past three years, eight individuals have been implicated in this illegal appointment process.

Salamovic allegedly falsified his professional experience and tenure in leadership roles to secure the position. As a result, he is accused of unlawfully benefiting from his role, with the total illicit gain amounting to approximately 120,000 Bosnian marks (some €60,000). The Prosecutor's Office asserts that these funds were accumulated through salaries and benefits associated with the positions Salamovic was never legally eligible to hold.

Today's events represent a significant development in an ongoing investigation that highlights not just personal but institutional failures, reflecting deep-rooted issues of political influence and corruption within the public sector. With seven individuals now in custody and further investigations likely to follow, the case underscores the importance of rigorous oversight and accountability in public office appointments. While the legal process unfolds, this scandal casts a harsh light on the extent of corruption in Bosnia’s public institutions, and many will be watching to see how the justice system handles this high-profile case.