Bosnia’s Only Shell Factory on the Brink: Corruption and Mismanagement Destroy a Strategic Asset!
Imagine this – the only shell factory in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Pretis from Vogošća, once a proud part of the former Yugoslavia’s military industry, is now on the verge of collapse! Yes, you read that right. While the world spends billions on arms, Pretis is choking on its own problems.
Golden Opportunity or Total Disaster?
Pretis managed to produce artillery and tank shells according to NATO standards, with a single shell now worth around $6,000! With global military spending rising, you’d expect the factory to thrive. But no – instead of seizing the opportunity, Pretis is trapped in a web of corruption and mismanagement.
American Investors and Their Frustration
The majority owner is the Government of the Federation of BiH with about 40% of shares, while the American company Regulus bought around 25%. The Americans even secured a multi-million dollar contract for ammunition supply, but Pretis has only fulfilled 25% of last year’s orders! Regulus director Will Somerindijk openly accuses the factory of catastrophic conditions, corruption, and incompetence in a letter to the federal investigative authority Vedran Lakić.
Who’s to Blame?
Former director Alma Zulić, a member of the SDA party, led the factory for ten years and was dismissed at the insistence of the Americans. But the new director Ajdin Kupus hasn’t managed to improve the situation either. An audit revealed the factory has only a few thousand euros in its account but owes millions. The money Pretis collected in advance for shell deliveries has vanished, spent mostly on costs unrelated to production.
The Real Drama is Just Beginning
Now, federal Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić has received a letter from the law firm Torridon, signed by former CIA director Mike Pompeo, representing Regulus. The letter expresses deep concern over poor management damaging Pretis’s business at a time when allies urgently need artillery ammunition. This is not just a business problem – it’s a strategic issue that could damage relations between BiH and the USA!
Will the Government Act?
The Federation of BiH governments have so far not commented on the situation, and to make matters worse, US President Donald Trump has imposed a 30% tariff on all BiH exports to the US, further complicating the situation.
Conclusion: Disaster Looming
While the world arms itself, Pretis sinks into chaos. Corruption, mismanagement, and political games are destroying a factory that could be a golden goose for BiH. Will anyone stop this collapse, or will we watch one of the country’s last strategic assets crumble?
Got thoughts on this mess? Know someone working at Pretis? Drop a comment below. Let’s stir the pot and maybe, just maybe, wake up those who can actually make a difference!
