Butković’s Secret €19.9 Million Payout to Rimac’s Firm: Robotaxi That Doesn’t Exist and Money Hidden from the Public!
Did you know that the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, headed by HDZ’s Oleg Butković, paid a whopping €19.9 million of public funds to Project 3 Mobility, owned by Mate Rimac, a whole year before the European Commission approved funding for the robotaxi project? Yes, you read that right! The money was paid out before the contract was even signed, and the Ministry declared the explanation for the payment SECRET!
What is Project 3 Mobility and the robotaxi?
Project 3 Mobility is a company established solely for the development of robotaxis – fully autonomous electric vehicles of level five autonomy. Although included in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NPOO), Rimac claimed he could not work on the project until May 2022, when the European Commission approved state aid of €21.5 million.
But the money was paid earlier!
According to Ministry data, €19.9 million was paid in 2021, a year before the EC approved the funds and before the contract was signed. Why? The Ministry refused to explain, declaring the explanation secret.
And what about the robotaxi itself?
Well, the robotaxi practically does not exist! Project 3 Mobility did not work on the project for two and a half years, and Rimac failed to meet the main condition for receiving the grant – delivery of a level five autonomous vehicle. This technology is not expected for at least 10 years! Rimac also delayed providing evidence of testing 60 prototypes, and the deadline for delivery was extended to October this year.
Will the money be returned?
For now, Rimac does not plan to return the money, and the Ministry refuses to explain why the payment was made earlier and why this information is secret. Index tried to obtain information but hit a wall of silence and bureaucratic obstacles.
What does this mean?
This is a classic example of non-transparency and possible misuse of public funds. While Rimac receives millions for a project that does not exist, the public remains in the dark. What do you think? Is this just the tip of the iceberg or systemic corruption? Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or just have a laugh – because this is truly outrageous!
For more details and investigation, follow Index Istrage.
