Prosecutor requests 30-day detention for former minister Rade Basta

The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade has requested a 30-day detention for former minister Rade Basta regarding alleged embezzlement from JKP "Beogradske elektrane". Rade Basta was arrested on Wednesday at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport during an attempt to leave Serbia. The prosecution requested the extended detention period due to concerns regarding flight risk and the potential for witness tampering.

Allegations of financial misconduct

The prosecution alleges that Rade Basta caused 14,100,000 dinars in damages to JKP "Beogradske elektrane" during his tenure as director. The period of the alleged misconduct spans from November 27, 2020, to June 6, 2022. According to officials, the misconduct involved the issuance of 10 unauthorized decisions regarding donations to various associations and companies.

The investigation indicates that these unauthorized decisions involved donation amounts that exceeded 100,000 dinars. The prosecution is currently processing the legal consequences of these financial decisions made during the period when Rade Basta held the position of director at the utility company.

Detention and legal proceedings

In addition to the request for Rade Basta, the prosecution requested a 30-day detention for an individual identified as Ž.V. following a hearing. While several individuals had their detention lifted, including the executive director for economic and financial affairs of JKP "Beogradske elektrane", D.I., other suspects remain under investigation. The suspects include legal representatives from several organizations: MBM2 Equestrian Club, KMF Solunac, Sopot Basketball Club, X-Gym, and Kobra.

These suspects face charges related to money laundering involving a total of 6,000,000 dinars. The suspects were ordered to a 48-hour detention for questioning at the Special Department for the Suppression of Corruption of the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade. This department is responsible for investigating high-level corruption and financial crimes within the jurisdiction.

Scope of the investigation

The investigation into JKP "Beogradske elektrane" involves multiple legal representatives and high-ranking officials. The legal representatives identified in the proceedings include M.G. for MBM2 Equestrian Club, B.M. for KMF Solunac, A.N. for Sopot Basketball Club, A.K. for X-Gym, and M.R. for Kobra. The prosecution is working to determine the full extent of the financial impact caused by the unauthorized donation decisions issued between late 2020 and mid-2022.

The arrest of Rade Basta at the airport marks a significant development in the case. The prosecution maintains that the 30-day detention is necessary to ensure the integrity of the judicial process and to prevent any attempt by the former minister to evade prosecution or influence the testimony of witnesses involved in the investigation.

Glossary

• Belgrade — Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers.
• Nikola Tesla Airport — Nikola Tesla Airport is an airport that was renamed in 2006. It features a terminal and a runway upgraded to CAT IIIb.
• Higher Public Prosecutor's Office — The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office is a legal entity that includes a Special Department for the Suppression of Corruption. This department is responsible for investigating high-level corruption and financial crimes within its jurisdiction.