The State Prosecutor's Office (USKOK) has filed charges against Josip Škoric, former director of Hrvatske ceste (Croatian Roads), and two other individuals. They are accused of accepting and offering bribes in commercial transactions.
According to the indictment, Škoric, in his capacity as director of Hrvatske ceste, entered into a corrupt agreement with the director of a trading company and the chairman of a company in Osijek, between June 2022 and the end of May 2024. It was agreed that they would provide material benefits at his choice, in exchange for the conclusion of works contracts. Hrvatske ceste was to enter into contracts with the company in Osijek, which would in turn engage the company where the director was employed as a subcontractor.
Škoric, using his authority, took steps in several public procurement procedures to expedite the completion of works. He directed subordinates to urgently conclude the public procurement procedure for the reconstruction of a state road. He signed the decision on the selection of the company from Osijek and the contract for the works, after which the chairman of that company engaged another company as a subcontractor.
In the procurement procedure for the construction of a bypass, the two defendants agreed that a company from Osijek would submit a bid, with the company engaging another as a subcontractor. The latter did not have the necessary references to meet the tender conditions. Škoric, at the request of the director, secured a change in the conditions of work and payment so that the company could be engaged as a subcontractor. He signed the selection decision and, without the consent of the supervisory board, the contract for the works.
The defendants are also accused of signing contracts for the construction of a motorway and a bypass, despite the bids being significantly higher than the estimated value of the procurement. In accordance with the agreement, the director paid for tailored clothing for Škoric, the cost of a celebration in a restaurant, and contributed to the renovation works of his family home. The chairman of the company in Osijek provided him with a personal car and additional equipment. Škoric improperly benefited to the total value of 129,507.06 euros.
