Croatian police arrested a senior executive of the national energy group INA on suspicion of corruption on Friday, state television said. Anti-corruption police unit USKOK said two people had been arrested, but gave only their initials - BM and MP. INA said there was an investigation against Bojan Milkovic relating to his previous position as chief executive of INA company Crosco.
"This investigation is in no relation to Milkovic's current position. We hope the investigation will prove that allegations against Milkovic are unfounded," INA said in a statement. USKOK said two people were under investigation for taking bribes worth up to 10 percent of business deals struck in the period from 2002 to 2009.
Local media reported one senior Crosco's employees was under investigation together with Milkovic. Croatia, which hopes to complete European Union entry talks this year, has pursued an anti-corruption campaign since Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor took power in 2009. The fight against corruption is a key condition for achieving membership.
INA is one of the biggest Croatian companies. Its largest shareholder is Hungary's MOL with a 47.25-percent stake. The Croatian government owns 44.84 percent. Since 2009 Milkovic has been one of the most senior Croatian executives in the company that is active in gas and oil exploration in Croatia, Africa and the Middle East, notably Syria.
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