Croatia’s Health Minister, Vili Beros, was arrested by the country’s special state prosecutor’s office for combating corruption and organized crime (Uskok). Officials also searched his house in Zagreb, confirmed his lawyer. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic immediately relieved Beros of his government position, according to his cabinet.
Beros, a Ph.D. molecular biologist, has been serving as the Health Minister since 2020. In this role, he played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic, shaping and representing the Croatian government’s measures such as closures, travel restrictions, and vaccination policies to the public. He is a member of the ruling party HDZ (Croatian Democratic Community).
Two hospital directors and other individuals were also arrested on suspicion of corruption. The actions were taken at the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office in Zagreb announced that Beros and seven other suspects are being investigated for alleged corruption. It is claimed that significant bribes were paid in the procurement of expensive medical equipment by the hospitals involved.
In a related development, former Health Senator faces corruption charges, investigations are underway against pharmacies related to Paxlovid, and the EU Parliament is implementing stricter lobbying rules for former members.
The case against Beros and others highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government dealings, especially in the healthcare sector where public trust is paramount. Corruption not only undermines the effectiveness of public services but also erodes the confidence of citizens in their elected officials.
It is crucial for authorities to conduct thorough investigations, hold those responsible accountable, and implement measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. Upholding ethical standards and ensuring integrity in governance are essential for maintaining the public’s trust and safeguarding the well-being of society as a whole.