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In a new move aimed at tackling graft in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Federation entity, the Special Department for Corruption, Organised and Inter-cantonal Crime was launched on April, 30 at the Federation’s supreme court and prosecutor’s office in Sarajevo.
Special deputy chief prosecutor Hrvoje Cabrajic said the new bodies will take over the most complex cases of organised crime and corruption, cases of terrorism and subversion, and certain criminal offences against the judiciary.
“The special department has broad jurisdiction and, according to the specific data we have, the number of cases that should be taken over ranges from 400 to 450 cases,” Cabrajic said at the launch event.
He would not comment on specific cases or say when the first indictment might be issued, urging patience.
Federation supreme court president Vesna Stankovic Cosovic said in seven judges appointed to the anti-graft department started work last week, and that she expects them to “impartially decide cases” and help ensure “an efficient, high-quality and fair criminal process”.
“Corruption and organised crime are negative phenomena that undermine the economic and social stability and potential of every state,” Stankovic Cosovic said – adding that increasing numbers of corruption cases are being registered in the Federation entity.
Munib Halilovic, chief prosecutor at the Federation prosecutor’s office, said that the opening of the new anti-graft department should be assessed realistically and cannot deliver an instant impact.
“This is an announcement of something different, but these departments are not fully equipped, equipment is underway,” said Halilovic.
“We know that expectations are extremely high. We believe that these people will be able to meet a significant portion of those expectations, and we want this to exceed expectations,” he added.
