Finally caught! Hrvoje Petrač, the controversial businessman and one of the main suspects in the massive Croatian healthcare corruption scandal, has surrendered to authorities after months of evading justice. His surrender comes after his sons Nikola and Novica already gave their defenses and were released. Petrač was taken to the Remetinec investigative prison, where he is expected to give a statement regarding his role in organizing a criminal group that allegedly orchestrated overpriced medical equipment purchases in Croatian hospitals.
The scandal exploded with revelations that former Health Minister Vili Beroš allegedly received a bribe of 75,000 euros to favor certain suppliers. Among them is businessman Saša Pozder, whose company Medical Innovation Solutions sold sophisticated robotic equipment for neurosurgery and otorhinolaryngology to Croatian hospitals at massively inflated prices. Hospitals like KB Sestre Milosrdnice, KBC Osijek, and the children’s hospital in Klaićeva Street, Zagreb, purchased these devices, while KBC Split refused the bribe and did not buy the equipment.
Investigators found evidence of plans to continue selling equipment financed by European funds, including the national recovery and resilience plan. In a WhatsApp group, Hrvoje Petrač allegedly gave instructions and warnings to partners, emphasizing his control over finances and organizing the procurement of robotics for 12 hospitals across Croatia.
This scandal casts a dark shadow over Croatian healthcare and reveals deep ties between politics and corruption. As Petrač finally faces justice, the question remains how much longer such scandals will shake the system and how many more citizens will suffer the consequences of such malpractices.
If you think this is just the tip of the iceberg, you might be right. What do you think about this whole story? Is it just another scandal in a long line, or will someone finally put an end to these criminal games? Drop a comment, let the people’s voice be heard!
