Serbia detaines 80 in massive corruption probe

(Vatican Radio) Police in Serbia have detained scores of people in what has been called as the Balkan nation's biggest anti-corruption investigation in decades. Those held in the multi-million dollar scam is a former minister as a time when Serbia seeks membership of the European Union. 

Officials said Serbian police arrested 80 people, including former Minister of Agriculture Slobodan Milosavljevic, for alleged involvement in massive corruption. 

Listen to the report by Stefan Bos: 
 
Milosavljevic from the opposition Democratic Party is charged with abuse of office during his term and while serving as Chamber of Commerce head. 

His Democratic Party has already described the arrests as politically motivated. Many of those held are from his party, although some are members of the governing Socialist Party.

Among others being held are at least two former interior ministry officials, several serving and former mayors, and a number of executives in state-owned firms were also reportedly detained.

SERIOUS CHARGES

Serbia's Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic told reporters that the charges for those are serious. "Criminal charges have been brought against the detained because there is reasonable doubt that from 2004 until today, they have committed several crimes such as money laundering, embezzlement, the forging of documents," he said. 

"Also, issuing the certification for false documents, abuse of office, bribery and misuse of public procurement are among the charges.”

The alleged embezzlement is believed to total more some 66 million dollars.  Serbia's latest crackdown came after it opened talks to join the European Union. 

The EU has pressure Belgrade to end a legacy of corruption and organized crime.